Israel probe says army actions had 'influence' on killing of six hostages by Hamas

An investigation by the Israeli military has found that the actions of their forces on the ground likely influenced the killing of six hostages in Gaza in August by Hamas.

It said the "ground activities in the area, although gradual and cautious, had a circumstantial influence on the terrorists' decision to murder the six hostages".

The probe also found that the soldiers were unaware of the hostages' presence when they began their operation in the Rafah area. The hostages' bodies were later recovered.

The killings sparked anger in Israel, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets demanding the government reach a ceasefire deal.