In a somber ceremony at kibbutz Shefayim, north of Tel Aviv, Alon Shamriz, 26, was laid to rest after being mistakenly shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Gaza this week. Shamriz, along with Yotam Haim and Samer el Talalqa, was killed during a military operation in the Gaza City suburb of Shujaiya, as they carried a white flag and pleaded for help in Hebrew.
Expressing grief and anger, Shamriz’s brother, Ido, accused the army of abandoning and murdering his brother. At the funeral attended by dozens of relatives on Sunday, Ido stated, “Those who abandoned you also murdered you after all that you did right.”
Shamriz’s mother, Dikla, emotionally spoke about her son’s resilience during his 70 days in captivity, saying, “You survived 70 days in hell. Another moment, and you would have been in my arms.”
The tragic incident has sparked protests in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators demanding authorities devise a new plan for rescuing the remaining hostages in Gaza. Yotam Haim’s funeral is scheduled for Monday, following Samer el Talalqa’s burial on Saturday.
Israeli military spokesman Richard Hecht acknowledged that the soldiers’ actions were a “violation of the rules of engagement.” The deaths of the three young men are currently under investigation.
Hamas had attacked southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the abduction of around 250 people. Despite Israeli efforts, at least 129 hostages remain held in Gaza. The incident has intensified calls for a comprehensive strategy to bring the remaining hostages home.
Amidst the sorrow, the toll of Israel’s massive military offensive in Gaza continues to rise. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 18,800 people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives. The situation remains complex, with international scrutiny on the ongoing conflict.
