Haaretz: Israeli Army Implemented Hannibal Directive on October 7 Amid Hamas Infiltration

Jul 7, 2024, 11:00 AM

Investigations by Israeli daily Haaretz reveal that on October 7, the Israeli army implemented the Hannibal Directive, which orders the use of force to prevent soldiers from being taken captive by killing both captors and captives. The directive was employed at three army facilities infiltrated by Hamas, resulting in the endangerment and deaths of dozens of Israeli civilians. The Israeli army also ordered a ban on any vehicle returning to Gaza and indiscriminately bombed the area with mortar shells and artillery. Drones were dispatched to attack the Re’im outpost near the Nova festival. Documents and testimonies obtained by Haaretz confirm the widespread execution of the directive, turning areas around Gaza into free-fire zones.