GAZA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement, said on Tuesday that it had lost contact with the group members responsible for holding an Israeli hostage in the Gaza Strip.
In a brief statement, the group's spokesperson, known as Abu Hamza, said communication had been lost with the unit guarding Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski since Monday.
He added that the loss of contact occurred following Israeli military operations in areas where the hostage was believed to be held.
No information was provided regarding the fate of Braslavski or the Palestinian unit.
The Israeli army has not immediately commented on the statement.
On Monday, Israeli ground forces entered the southern and eastern areas of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Israeli media reported that the military suspects some hostages may be held in that area.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. ■
