Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has reported that its militants shot and killed an Israeli hostage and critically wounded two other Israeli hostages, both women, in Gaza. According to a statement by Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for the brigades, these incidents occurred in two separate attacks. The statement was posted on Telegram and did not specify the identities of the hostages or the exact locations or timing of the incidents. It mentioned that the hostages were being guarded by Hamas soldiers when the shootings took place.
In response, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that, at this time, there is no intelligence confirmation to support or refute Hamas’s claims. The Israeli military is actively investigating the situation to verify the accuracy of the report. Rear Adm Daniel Hagari, another Israeli military spokesperson, expressed deep concern over the physical and mental conditions of the hostages being held by Hamas, noting the prolonged duration and harsh conditions of their captivity.
The conflict began with a major Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, predominantly civilians, based on an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has resulted in at least 39,897 deaths according to the health ministry in Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.
