Body of hostage found near Gaza hospital, claims Israeli army

A military spokesman identified the slain woman as Yehudit Weiss, saying she had been "murdered" by militants in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

"Yehudit was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised briefing.

Hamas has repeatedly accused Israel of being responsible for the deaths of hostages including Israelis through its intensive bombardment of the Gaza Strip.