Hamas says fate of Israeli-American captive remains unknown

Hamas's armed wing said on Saturday the fate of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander was unknown after the group found the guard who was holding the hostage killed.

In a series of posts on Telegram, al-Qassam's spokesperson, Abu Obaida, confirmed that Hamas had lost contact with the group of fighters tasked with guarding Alexander. 

The spokesperson also denied claims that it was mistreating prisoners and said it was "trying to protect all prisoners and keep them alive" amid continued Israeli air strikes. 

"We were able to retrieve [the body] of a martyr who was tasked with securing Eden Alexander. Eden's fate and other brothers securing him remains unknown," said Abu Obaida. 

"We are trying to protect all prisoners and to keep them alive despite the brutality of the aggression. However, their lives are in danger due to the continued air strikes carried out by the enemy [Israeli] army.

"The occupation lies in its claim of inhumane treatment of its prisoners and fabricates false testimonies from former prisoners, with the aim of spreading false propaganda against the Palestinian resistance."