Israeli soldier captured: Hamas
Scenes of devastation in Gaza.
The armed wing of the Palestinian Hamas group has claimed it has kidnapped an Israeli soldier, prompting celebrations in the streets of Gaza City.
"The Israeli soldier Shaul Aaron is in the hands of the Qassam Brigades," a Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades’ spokesman using the nom-de-guerre Abu Obeida announced in a televised address.
The claim came on day 13 of the latest flare-up in violence between Israel and Hamas, which has seen the deaths of more than 430 Palestinians and 18 Israelis.
A spokeswoman for the Israeli military said they were aware of the claim and were investigating.
AFP correspondents said there were celebrations in the streets of West Bank cities Ramallah and Hebron following the announcement, with Palestinians firing into the air and praising Hamas.
Hamas last kidnapped an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in 2006.
He was held until 2011, when he was freed in exchange for more than 1000 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have subsequently been rearrested by Israeli authorities.
Follow live updates from 9NEWS reporter Peter Stefanovic in Gaza in our Middle East live feed.
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