Tel Aviv, Dec. 21 -- Israeli security officials said three Gaza men recently detained in the southern city of Rahat were not involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, contradicting an earlier announcement by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

According to the officials, there is no evidence that the men crossed into Israel during the assault. Instead, they entered Israel legally before the war under valid work permits and stayed after hostilities began, even after Israeli authorities revoked all entry permits for Gazan labourers.

Prior to the outbreak of fighting with Hamas, approximately 17,000 Gazans were authorised to work inside Israel. The three detainees are believed to have been among those already present in the coun...