Families of the hostages have lodged a formal complaint with the Israel Police, accusing certain individuals of spreading false information about the hostages’ status.

Speaking to I24NEWS, one individual involved in spreading the rumor expressed deep regret. He explained that he had unknowingly shared the falsehood after hearing it from another source, unaware that it was untrue.

The complaint filed by the families details: “Last Shabbos, 19.10, we became aware of widespread distribution of messages containing false and extremely distressing information regarding a supposed operation in which hostages were allegedly located, both alive and dead.”

It further elaborates: “In those numerous messages, fabricated details were included, such as ’30 families of hostages were instructed to visit various hospitals in the country.’ These misleading reports were spread broadly in different forms via social media platforms like TikTok, Telegram, and WhatsApp. They even reached the families whose loved ones were named in the reports, with incorrect information about whether they were alive or dead.”

The complaint emphasizes: “The circulation of these messages persisted even after the IDF Spokesman’s Office refuted the claims and urged people to stop sharing them. Despite the multiple denials issued by the IDF, the families, who have been waiting over a year for any news about their loved ones, were thrown into emotional turmoil. Their names were mentioned in the false reports, and they have had to endure countless inquiries, constantly verifying the truth behind these reports.”

{Matzav.com}