Israel Probes Hamas Photos Allegedly Showing Female Hostage’s Death In Gaza

Israel is investigating claims by Hamas after the group released images purportedly showing the body of a female hostage in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during Sunday’s cabinet meeting, stated that Israeli authorities could not confirm the authenticity of the photos at this stage.

“We are in contact with the family, and a notification has been issued to all relevant families. Our hearts are with them,” Netanyahu said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to recovering all hostages, both living and deceased.

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Netanyahu also disclosed that he had spoken with the mother of the hostage reportedly shown in the images. “It is hard to describe the nightmare she is enduring. We embrace her and her family,” he said. We embrace her and her family,” he added.

Hamas’ military wing claimed the hostage had been killed during Israeli operations in northern Gaza but did not provide her identity. They shared two photos of the body, which Israel has yet to address regarding the circumstances of her alleged death.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and more than 250 hostages taken. While some hostages have been rescued or released as part of brief ceasefire agreements, 101 individuals remain in Gaza, according to Israeli estimates, with 97 taken on October 7. At least 34 of these are believed to have died.

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Hamas has previously been accused of leveraging hostage-related announcements and imagery to exert “psychological terror,” increasing pressure on Netanyahu’s administration to negotiate a ceasefire. Protests demanding the government act decisively to secure the hostages’ return occur regularly, often led by family members of those still captive.

Adding to the pressure on Netanyahu, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him last week. Meanwhile, negotiations for a hostage-ceasefire agreement have stalled. Qatar, a key mediator in past discussions, recently suspended its role, citing a lack of genuine intent from both sides.

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