IDF says Israeli hostage killed during failed rescue attempt in Gaza: report

The IDF has confirmed that an Israeli citizen, Avera Mengistu, was killed in Gaza during a failed rescue operation orchestrated by Hamas. Mengistu had gone missing in September 2014, and Hamas had refused to release any information on his whereabouts or condition since then. The circumstances of the rescue mission remain unclear but it appears a bungled attempt resulted in Mengistu's death. Hamas has denied responsibility. The IDF has vowed to keep searching for the other Israeli hostages, including two other civilians, Hisham al-Sayed and Juma Ibrahim Abu Ghanima, believed to be held in Gaza.