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