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In fact, idf shot indiscriminately at anything that moved as it cannot distinguish combatants from civilians.
IDF statements In January, an investigation by Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth concluded that the IDF had in practice applied the Hannibal Directive from noon of October 7, ordering all combat units to stop "at all costs" any attempt by Hamas militants to return to Gaza with hostages.
Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorised the controversial Hannibal Directive during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12 Gallant confirmed giving the order in certain areas. “I think that, tactically, in some places, it was given, and in other places, it was not given, and that is a problem,” he said.
This military protocol allows the use of force – even at the risk of killing hostages – to prevent captives from falling into enemy hands. The policy has been highly controversial and is believed to have been used unofficially in multiple conflicts. The directive prioritises preventing enemy leverage over safeguarding soldiers' lives.
Israel has accused Hamas of killing approximately 1,100 Israeli soldiers and civilians during the attack 16 months ago. But Gallant's admission points out the Israeli military's actions might have also killed some Israeli hostages and civilians.
During the attack, the Israeli army deployed helicopters, drones, and tanks on its territory, targeting Hamas fighters but also striking Israelis who were being taken captive. Reports from the United Nations indicate that Israeli attack helicopters fired on civilians at the Nova music festival, near the Re'im military base, leading to further casualties.
The ex-defence minister accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet of delaying a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. He claimed that a nearly identical agreement was on the table in April 2024, which could have secured the release of more hostages while minimising the number of Palestinian prisoners freed.
“I think that the Israeli government did not do everything it could have to return the hostages,” he said. Many of the 251 Israeli captives taken by Hamas were later killed by Israeli airstrikes and friendly fire.
The October 7 attack led to the resignation of Israel's top general, Herzi Halevi, in January. He cited a “terrible failure” in security and intelligence as the reason for stepping down. Since then, Israel's continuous military onslaught in Gaza has killed at least 47,000 Palestinians, with some estimates suggesting a toll exceeding 200000.
IDF statements In January, an investigation by Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth concluded that the IDF had in practice applied the Hannibal Directive from noon of October 7, ordering all combat units to stop "at all costs" any attempt by Hamas militants to return to Gaza with hostages.
Ex Israel Army Chief Admits Using Hannibal Directive Against Own Soldiers
This Hannibal directive allows the use of force – even at the risk of killing hostages – to prevent captives from falling into enemy hands
Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorised the controversial Hannibal Directive during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12 Gallant confirmed giving the order in certain areas. “I think that, tactically, in some places, it was given, and in other places, it was not given, and that is a problem,” he said.
This military protocol allows the use of force – even at the risk of killing hostages – to prevent captives from falling into enemy hands. The policy has been highly controversial and is believed to have been used unofficially in multiple conflicts. The directive prioritises preventing enemy leverage over safeguarding soldiers' lives.
Israel has accused Hamas of killing approximately 1,100 Israeli soldiers and civilians during the attack 16 months ago. But Gallant's admission points out the Israeli military's actions might have also killed some Israeli hostages and civilians.
During the attack, the Israeli army deployed helicopters, drones, and tanks on its territory, targeting Hamas fighters but also striking Israelis who were being taken captive. Reports from the United Nations indicate that Israeli attack helicopters fired on civilians at the Nova music festival, near the Re'im military base, leading to further casualties.
The ex-defence minister accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet of delaying a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. He claimed that a nearly identical agreement was on the table in April 2024, which could have secured the release of more hostages while minimising the number of Palestinian prisoners freed.
“I think that the Israeli government did not do everything it could have to return the hostages,” he said. Many of the 251 Israeli captives taken by Hamas were later killed by Israeli airstrikes and friendly fire.
The October 7 attack led to the resignation of Israel's top general, Herzi Halevi, in January. He cited a “terrible failure” in security and intelligence as the reason for stepping down. Since then, Israel's continuous military onslaught in Gaza has killed at least 47,000 Palestinians, with some estimates suggesting a toll exceeding 200000.
