Israel says Hamas has not provided any information about the status of those 34 hostages, dampening any notion that the endorsement is a step toward a deal to stop the war.

The deal would secure release of a third of the approximately 100 hostages who remain in Gaza, including two dual U.S.-Israeli nationals. In return, Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners.

Negotiations between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza have intensified, with Hamas demanding an end to Israel's assault in exchange for releasing hostages. The talks involve Qatari and Egyptian mediators,