31 hostages held by Hamas dead: Israel military

Israel has declared 31 of the hostages being captured by Hamas militants dead.

Israel's chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that they have informed 31 families that their captured loved ones are no longer among the living.

Israel said that 136 hostages are still with the militants. This comes amid talks of mediation between the two warring sides.

While Hamas has called for a complete cease-fire in Gaza, Israel has so far rejected a permanent end to its ongoing military assault.

Qatar, which has long mediated with Hamas, has been working with the US and Egypt to broker a cease-fire that would involve an extended halt in fighting and the release of the over 100 hostages still held by Hamas after its October 7 cross-border raid that ignited the war nearly four months ago.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani did not provide any details on Hamas' response but said the group had “comments”.

Also watch: Hamas seeks complete cease-fire in Gaza, US to take it up with Israel

Blinken confirmed that officials had received Hamas' response and said he would brief Israel's leaders during his visit to the country.

(With AP inputs)