Israel says it is investigating after Hamas released photos purportedly showing the body of a female hostage in Gaza.

Israel is looking into claims made by Hamas' military over the weekend that a female hostage was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Hamas says a female hostage has been killed during Israeli operations in northern Gaza. The woman's identity was not revealed, and it was unclear how or when she is said to have died. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was currently unable to “verify or refute” the claim, but that its representatives are in contact with the woman's family.

Hamas' acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said in remarks broadcast on Wednesday that there would be no hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless the war in the Palestinian enclave ended.

Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000.

Hamas says an Israeli woman who was taken hostage has died during the continued fighting in Gaza. Israel has not confirmed her death, as some 100 hostages are still unaccounted for. Debora Patta has more.

Hamas claims 'four commanders' killed as third group of hostages to be released - It comes after thirteen more Israeli hostages and four Thai captives were released last night