The IDF has rubbished claims by Hamas that it had captured an Israeli soldier during operations in Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.

The terrorist group claimed it had killed or captured a number of Israeli soldiers during an ambush inside a tunnel.

An undated Hamas video showed a bloodied body being dragged along the ground as well as images of machine guns purportedly captured – but which the Times of Israel said were “not commonly used by the Israeli military”.

In response to the claims, the IDF issued a statement to make clear “there is no incident of a soldier’s kidnapping”.

The bodies of seven hostages taken by Hamas have been recovered from tunnels by the IDF over the past week.

Israeli troops have been active in the camp in attempts to prevent Hamas forces regrouping in the north of the strip.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are due to discuss what to do about Gaza after fighting stops with representatives of Arab countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Brussels tomorrow.