ALBAWABA - In an investigation, Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed that the Israeli army ordered the activation of the Hannibal Directive on October 7 insinuating the killing of the hostages and their captors.
The newspaper's investigation revealed that the Israeli army issued orders to ensure that no vehicle returned to Gaza during the strike, despite the risk to the residents of Gaza. "There was crazy hysteria, and decisions started being made without verified information,".
Haaretz reported that the directive was implemented in various sites after October 7, including the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing, the Re'im Military base battle and Nahal Oz, however, it did not prevent the capturing of several soldiers.
Documents revealed that several army divisions including Gaza Division, the Southern Command, and the Army Staff had ordered the implementation of the Hannibal Directive from the early hours of the attack at various points along the border, neglecting the number of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas.
An investigation conducted by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) in March revealed that the Israeli army was aware of the presence of Israeli hostages in the house it targeted with two tank shells in the Be'eri community on October 7.
The probe began when Israeli Brigadier General Barak Hiram told The New York Times that he had ordered tank fire on the structure, "even at the expense of civilian casualties."
However, Haaretz reports that the Israeli military has "refused to say whether this procedure was employed against civilians". According to an Israeli army spokesperson, the IDF "has begun conducting internal investigations of what transpired on October 7 and the preceding period".
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
