Hamas has reportedly captured a dolphin and claimed it is an Israeli spy.

According to the Times of Israel, a station operated by the Israel Defense Force has reported that Hamas has claimed the dolphin was equipped with “spying equipment” including cameras.

Israeli Army Radio, which is run by the Israeli Defence Force, say Hamas claims it was captured off the Gaza coast by the organisation's naval unit.

A Palestinian newspaper based in Jerusalem, Al-Quds, reported Hamas commanders spotted the dolphin making "suspicious moments" in a Palestinian port.

They say the capture took place several weeks ago. Israel Today reports that the dolphin was dragged onto a beach in Gaza for "inspection" but its ultimate fate is unknown.

YNet News also reported Al-Quds had said the dolphin was outfitted with a device capable of firing deadly arrows.

This is not the first time members of the animal kingdom have been accused of spying for Mossad.

Turkish media has made allegations in recent years that birds had been found with Israeli tracking devices.