Israel’s military on Friday said they had mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages during ground operations in Gaza.

it happened in Shijaiyahm, Gaza City, where fierce battles against Hamas militants have taken place in recent days.

The military say the hostages had been shirtless and holding a white flag when they were gunned down in error.

Their bodies were then transferred to Israeli territory for examination, where they were later confirmed to be hostages.

(L-R) The men were identified as Samer El-Talalqa, 22, Yotam Haim, 28, and Alon Shamriz, 26.

The news has sparked fury in Tel Aviv as hundreds blocked main roads across the city in protest.

Red paint was spilt in the street to symbolise the blood of hostages as families chanted “Deal, now!”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described their deaths an “unbearable tragedy”.

Israel’s military have also expressed “deep sorrow” and say they are investigating the incident further. Report by Fatimaz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn