A hostage, a woman, held by Hamas was killed as an Israeli strike hit northern Gaza, according to a statement released by the armed wing of Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel continues to pound Gaza with a heavy military campaign while ordering further evacuations among the Palestinian residents.

Hamas Confirms Hostage’s Death

Late Saturday, the spokesman of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades Abu Obeida reported that contact with the kidnappers was re-established following three weeks of complete silence. It then reported that the woman died in an area of northern Gaza currently under attack by Israel, with no further details as to her identity or the exact circumstances of death.

As a warning, Abu Obeida emphasised that another female captive’s life was in danger and blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the military leaders responsible for the fate of the hostages.

The Israeli military said it could neither confirm nor deny the claim but accepted that it is investigating the incident. It added that representatives contacted the captive’s family to update them on the situation.

Background: Hostage Situation and Public Pressure

The history of the hostage crisis traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas led attacks on southern Israel, taking about 250 people. Among the seized were 23 Thai nationals, a Nepali national, and a Filipino national-most work and study in Israel. Of those taken initially, 97 captives remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 34 hostages have been killed over the last year.

Reports over the weekend have again spurred public campaigns in Israel for the remaining hostages to be released. Thousands rallied in the centre of Tel Aviv on Sunday to express solidarity with the captives and call on the government to take practical steps. Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh was among those kidnapped in the musical festival attack, told the gathering a heartrending appeal to the hostages, “Hersh, stay strong, survive.”

Israel’s Moves to Liberate Hostages

Israel has faced stern criticism over its handling of the hostage situation as citizens clamoured for a renewed negotiation to free them. Last November, a week-long ceasefire brokered by Qatar freed 105 captives, out of whom 80 were Israelis, in exchange for winning freedom for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations to liberate more hostages using similar deals have since gone stale.

During June, a rescue operation at the Gaza Nuseirat refugee camp left 274 Palestinians dead and nearly 700 injured as Israeli forces attempted to extract four captives. According to Hamas, several of its hostages have been killed during Israeli airstrikes and rescue attempts that have taken place so far.

Meanwhile, Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have also been trying to facilitate talks between the two sides, working towards a cease-fire. However, nothing has come out of this since the brief lull last year, and Qatar had suspended its mediation efforts earlier this month.

More:Palestinian Olive Harvest Under Threat from Israeli Attacks and Restrictions.

International Community Concerned Over War

The ongoing war has seen international focus on the scale of destruction and the loss of life in Gaza. The Hamas attack in October 2023 killed more than 1,100 Israelis, most of whom were civilians. Since the war, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 44,000 Palestinians, an issue that has sparked severe accusations of misuse of force and focus on areas including civilians.

The United Nations and human rights organisations have expressed concern that Israel’s acts in Gaza might constitute war crimes. On November 14, a UN committee recommended that the Israeli military campaign had features of genocide. This was viewed from the perspective of Israeli officials who can publicly declare support for measures that deprive Palestinians of these essential supplies: food, water, and fuel.

The ICC has also weighed in. In January, it said that it is “plausible” that acts of genocide are taking place in Gaza. Last week, it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. A similar warrant was issued against a Hamas leader, which was a significant step toward making key figures accountable.

Conflict Remains Intact Despite Calls for Calm

The situation in Gaza is grim, as Israel has continued its bombardment campaign, claiming it wants to break Hamas’s military capabilities, freeing hostages safely. Yet, nearly 13 months since the conflict started, Hamas refuses to give in, and dozens of hostages remain unknown.

As international attention continues to flag, many still urge an end to the bloodshed and for both to come to a negotiated settlement. However, with both sides dug into their respective positions and no immediate sign of hostilities subsiding, an end to this saga seems far from certain.