More details are coming to light about how the Israeli hostages were shot dead by Israeli soldiers.

The hostages were holding a white flag, according to the initial investigation into the incident, a military official said Saturday.

The incident occurred in an area where fighting is taking place and where Hamas fighters operate in civilian clothing and use deception tactics, the same official said.

A soldier saw the hostages get out dozens of meters away from Israeli forces in the Shejaiya area, the official said.

“They were all shirtless and holding a stick with a white cloth on it. The soldier felt threatened and opened fire as he mistook them for terrorists. Two of the hostages were killed instantly,” the military official said.

The third hostage was wounded and retreated to a nearby building where he called for help in Hebrew, the official said.

“Immediately the battalion commander issued a cease-fire order, but the firing continued and he was also killed,” the official said. “That was against our rules of engagement,” he added.

The military on Friday identified the three hostages as Yotam Haim and Alon Shamriz, kidnapped from the Kfar Aza kibbutz, and Samer Talalka, kidnapped from the nearby Nir Am kibbutz, all held hostage by Hamas since October 7.