The escalating war between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of two South African citizens.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) of South Africa made the announcement on Friday without disclosing the names of people who had passed away.

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation can confirm that we have been notified that two South African nationals have died in this ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel,” said Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela.

“The verification process is currently under way because one of the individuals is reported to have an Israeli ID number, so we need to determine whether there is dual citizenship or what the picture is.”

Speaking on behalf of government, Mr Monyela expressed condolences to the individuals’ loved ones.

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He said: “Our missions in Ramallah and Tel Aviv are coordinating efforts and also rendering consular assistance and services to the families of our nationals.”

After Hamas militants attacked Israel fatally over the weekend, the war broke out.

Since then, more than 2,700 people have died in Israel and Gaza.