The Hamas terrorist group said on Saturday that one of its female Israeli hostages had been killed in northern Gaza. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) said it is investigating the claims while warning the public to refrain from spreading rumors “that may harm the families of the hostages.”
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s armed wing, in a statement did not name the alleged hostage or provide information on how she was killed, beyond saying that it happened in an area of north Gaza where the Israeli army had been conducting strikes. The IDF said the operations in northern Gaza were to prevent Hamas fighters from carrying out attacks and regrouping.
Gazan medics said on Saturday that at least 120 Gazans had been killed over the last two days by the Israeli strikes, which included strikes on Kamal Adwan Hospital. The IDF said that following an initial review, it was “not aware of a strike in the area of the Kamal Adwan Hospital,” adding that it does everything possible to avoid harming civilians.
Israel says Hamas uses hospitals and civilians as human shields and has made public videos and photos to support that claim. Hamas denies the allegations.
Obeida’s statement was accompanied by a blurred photo of a body.
The Hamas spokesperson also claimed that the life of a second female hostage was in danger, who he said was being held with the deceased hostage.
“We are examining the information, and at this stage, we cannot confirm or refute it. IDF representatives are in contact with her family and are keeping them updated with all available information,” he said.
“Hamas continues to engage in psychological terror and act with extreme brutality. Please refrain from spreading rumors and information that may harm the families of the hostages.”
On Saturday evening, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square for their weekly protest to bring the remaining hostages home. Many relatives of the remaining hostages spoke at the protest. Other “Bring them home” protests and anti-government protests were also seen nearby and in other parts of the country.
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum campaign group told AFP of Hamas’s claim, “Nothing is known other than what Hamas is saying. Our only reliable source is the Israeli army.”
The only successful hostage release in the war to date occurred from Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2023, when Hamas released 105 hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Nov. 19 also extended an offer to any Gazans and those holding the hostages captive: “To those who want to leave this entanglement I say: Whoever brings us a hostage, will find a safe way out for himself and his family. We will also give $5 million for every hostage.”
