An Israeli military investigation has found that its forces’ operations on the ground may have influenced Hamas’ killing of six hostages in Gaza in August.

“Ground activity in the area, although gradual and cautious, had an indirect impact on the terrorists’ decision to murder the six hostages,” the report said.

The investigation also found that the soldiers were unaware of the hostages’ presence when they began the operation in the Rafah area. The hostage’s body was later found.

The killings sparked outrage in Israel, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets demanding a ceasefire from the government.

In late August, Israeli forces discovered bodies in an underground shaft in the Sudan area of ​​Rafatar. They were killed before soldiers could reach them, the military said.

The Israeli chief of staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic event and that Hamas’s brutal killing of six hostages was an extremely difficult outcome,” the investigation said.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement that the investigation once again proves that the return of all those captured by Hamas during its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 will only be possible through an agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under increasing pressure, with critics saying he has not done enough to secure the hostages’ release.

Israel has launched airstrikes and ground offensives in the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas attacks.

The Hamas health ministry in Gaza says more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas. According to the United Nations, nearly 2 million people, or 90% of the population, have been displaced.

The United Nations and aid agencies have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “apocalyptic” and have repeatedly warned Gazans are on the “brink of famine” – accusing Israel of deliberately impeding the delivery of aid – which Israel denies.

According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured in Hamas attacks last year.

Ninety-six of them are believed to remain in custody, while the remainder have been released, rescued or have had their bodies recovered. Israel believes 62 people are still alive. Four other hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages continue.

Netanyahu recently said “some progress” had been made, but he could not say when the talks would end. So far, there has been no breakthrough – although Palestinian officials told the BBC they were very close to a deal.