Blinken discusses hostages with Israeli counterpart

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone call on Tuesday with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen where the two discussed the ongoing Gaza war and hostages, according to the US State Department. 

"The Secretary reiterated US condolences to the people of Israel and all those impacted by Hamas’ violence and reaffirmed our efforts to secure the immediate release of all hostages," according to a State Department readout of the call. 

In an interview with CNN on Monday night Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan said that Israel estimates that 100 to 150 hostages are being held in Gaza, including an unspecified number of US citizens and other foreigners. 

But he suggested that Israel would continue its bombing campaign against the enclave. 

"We expect the Red Cross, we expect all international organizations to focus on these hostages and how they are treated and that they receive treatment according to international law, but it's not going to stop us, prevent us from doing what we need to do in order to secure the future of Israel,” he said.