Israeli soldiers at Gaza Border
Israeli soldiers stand at their base just outside the central Gaza Strip November 15, 2012. Reuters/Amir Cohen

Hamas TV says an Israeli soldier Sunday was taken hostage by the military wing of group. The soldier was identified as as “Shaool Aron,” Al-Jazeera’s live blog reported while noting Israel has yet to confirm the claim.

The news comes amid a day of intense fighting with reports as many as 87 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers were killed.

U.S. President Barack Obama has expressed concern to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but reiterated Israel has the right to defend itself. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected in Cairo shortly for cease-fire talks.