An Israeli military investigation found that the actions of its forces on the ground likely influenced the killing of six hostages in Gaza in August by Hamas.
It said “ground activities in the area, although gradual and cautious, had an indirect impact on the terrorists' decision to kill the six hostages.”
The investigation also found that the soldiers were unaware of the presence of the hostages when they began their operation in the Rafah area. The bodies of the hostages were later found.
The killings sparked outrage in Israel, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets to demand that the government reach a ceasefire agreement.
In late August, Israeli troops discovered the bodies in an underground shaft in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. The military said they were killed just before the soldiers reached them.
The investigation said Israel's chief of staff “concluded that this was a painful and tragic event with the extremely difficult result of the brutal killing of six hostages by Hamas.”
In a statement, the Forum for Hostages and Missing Families said the investigation proves once again that the return of all those captured by Hamas during its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, will only be possible through a deal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is facing increased pressure, with critics saying he has not done enough to secure the release of the hostages.
Israel responded to the Hamas attack by launching airstrikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip.
More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed during the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said. Almost 2 million people – 90% of the population – have been displaced, according to the UN.
The UN and aid agencies have described the humanitarian situation in the enclave as “apocalyptic” and have warned several times that Gazans are on the “brink of starvation” – accusing Israel of deliberately obstructing aid deliveries – something Israel denies.
According to Israel, 251 Israelis and foreigners were captured in last year's Hamas attack.
Ninety-six of them are believed to be still in custody, and the rest have been released, rescued or their remains have been found. Israel believes 62 are still alive. Four other hostages have been held since 2014 and 2015.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement on a cease-fire in Gaza and securing the release of the remaining hostages are continuing.
Mr Netanyahu recently said there had been “some progress” but could not say when the talks would end. So far no breakthrough has been achieved – although Palestinian officials have told the BBC they are very close to reaching a deal.