Hamas claims woman hostage killed in Northern Gaza

Hamas's armed wing said Saturday a female Israeli hostage had been killed in a combat zone in northern Gaza and the Israeli military said it was looking into the claim.

Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said that contact had been restored with the woman's captors after a break of several weeks and it was established that the hostage had been killed in an area of north Gaza where the Israeli army has been operating.

Abu Obeida's statement did not further identify the hostage or say how or when she was killed.

The Israeli army told AFP it was looking into the claim.

During last year's Hamas attack which triggered the Gaza war, militants took 251 hostages. Of those, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 34 who have been confirmed dead.