Israeli military confirms recovery of six hostage bodies in Gaza

The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday morning that it recovered the bodies of six hostages during an overnight operation in the Gaza Strip.

The bodies were found in the city of Khan Younis, located in the southern part of the territory. The families of the six men, aged between 35 and 80, have been notified.

The military had previously reported that these individuals were alive when they were abducted, but later declared them dead.

According to Israel, the Palestinian militant group Hamas still holds 109 hostages, many of whom are feared dead.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently working to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict and secure the release of the remaining hostages.

While Israel has agreed to a U.S.-backed proposal aimed at bridging differences with Hamas, the militant group has yet to accept the terms.

The hostages were among 253 people abducted by Hamas and other Palestinian militants during an attack on Israel on October 7.

Some hostages were released through prisoner exchanges, and a few were rescued by the Israeli army, though these operations have drawn international criticism for their impact on Palestinian civilians.