Hamas Claims Israeli Strike Kills Female Captive in Gaza; Evacuation Order Issued
Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has claimed that an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza killed a female captive held by the group, escalating tensions amid Israel’s ongoing military operation, Al Jazeera reports.
The announcement, made late Saturday by Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida, stated that contact had been re-established with the woman’s captors after several weeks, only to learn of her death. No further details regarding her identity or the circumstances of her death were provided.
Abu Obeida also expressed concern for the safety of another female captive, holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military leadership “fully responsible” for the lives of all Israeli hostages. The Israeli military responded that it could neither confirm nor deny the claim, stating that it was investigating following the release of purported footage by Hamas showing the deceased hostage.
This announcement comes as Israel continues its extensive military operation in Gaza, including a forced evacuation order issued on Sunday for residents of Gaza City. The October 7th Hamas attack on southern Israel resulted in the capture of about 250 people, including citizens of Israel and several foreign nationals. At least 97 captives remain in Gaza, with the Israeli army claiming 34 have been killed. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a campaign group, stated they have no additional information about the alleged death of the captive.
The situation has fueled intense public pressure in Israel to secure the release of the remaining captives. A similar situation occurred last November, where a week-long truce led to the release of 105 captives (including 80 Israelis) in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. However, attempts at negotiation have stalled since then.
Israel insists it will not cease its military operation until its objectives—defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages—are met. The conflict, which began 13 months ago, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 44,000 Palestinians killed and significant infrastructure damage.
The UN and various human rights organizations have accused Israel of war crimes, citing the deliberate targeting of civilians and residential areas. The UN has even suggested that Israel’s actions in Gaza are consistent with genocide, a claim echoed by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which recently issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A warrant was also issued for a Hamas leader. This marks the first time a sitting leader of a major Western ally has faced such charges at the ICC.
