Hamas says Israeli female hostage killed in northern Gaza, IDF reviewing incident

The IDF said that it is reviewing the information, adding that it could not currently confirm or refute its authenticity.

 Palestinians, including rescuers, search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City November 18, 2024 (photo credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)
Palestinians, including rescuers, search for casualties at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City November 18, 2024
(photo credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)

Hamas's armed wing spokesman, Abu Obeida, claimed on Saturday that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in an area of northern Gaza that the IDF had struck.

In the same message, he claimed, "The danger still threatens the life of another female (prisoner) who was with her," implying that another female Israeli hostage was wounded. Her status remains unclear. 

The IDF later stated that it is "currently reviewing the information" and cannot "confirm or refute its authenticity." 

"IDF representatives are in contact with her family and are updating them with any information available to us," the statement continued. The IDF stressed that Hamas uses "psychological terror" and acts "with cruelty." 

 People ride their bicycles on Yom Kippur, in front of a wall featuring hostage posters, in Jerusalem, October 12, 2024 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
People ride their bicycles on Yom Kippur, in front of a wall featuring hostage posters, in Jerusalem, October 12, 2024 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

"Please refrain from spreading rumors or publications that could harm the families of the hostages," the IDF concluded.