Israeli army investigation suggests many 'casualties' caused by friendly fire on 7 October

An Israeli army investigation has suggested there were large numbers of casualties as a result of friendly fire on 7 October.

During the operation to counter Hamas forces who had broken into southern Israel, there were "multiple incidents of our forces firing on our forces" according to the investigation, as reported by Israeli outlet N12.

The report added that the expected appointment of Brigadier General Barak Hiram to head of the army's Gaza Division is likely to be delayed with an acting head appointed until an investigation into events at Kibbutz Beeri on 7 October is completed.

According to reports, several Israeli captives being held by Palestinian fighters in Beeri were killed during crossfire with Israel's military, in what was described as "a delayed and chaotic military response". 

The Israeli military launched a rocket-propelled grenade at the house, according to witnesses. 

Hiram, who was in charge of recapturing the kibbutz from Hamas fighters, recalled telling his men: "Break in, even at the cost of civilian casualties."