Israel's military says it has recovered the bodies of six hostages in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on Tuesday saying, "Our hearts grieve over the terrible loss."

He said, "Israel will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages - the living and the deceased."

Israeli forces struck several areas in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Palestinian media reported that residential buildings were bombed and 10 people died in central and southern Gaza.

As the fighting with Hamas drags on, there are growing calls in Israel to seek negotiations with Hamas to bring home the hostages as quickly as possible.

But Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will keep fighting until it destroys Hamas.

Meanwhile, Hamas is seeking a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East this week to try to secure a deal on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He visited Israel on Monday and goes to mediators Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday. But there is still no prospect of an agreement.