Israeli military chief says only military pressure can bring captives home, about 132 captives remain in Gaza

Israel’s military chief has said that only “increased military pressure” can secure the return of the remaining captives being held by Hamas in Gaza.

In a televised statement on Saturday ahead of the 100th day of the war in Gaza, Staff Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi warned against any let-up in fighting as he stressed that Israeli forces are using “all means” to bring the captives home.

“We must continue to operate in enemy territory, not allow extortion attempts for a ceasefire that seemingly will not bring about real results,” Halevi said.

“We must continue applying pressure and that is exactly what we are doing.”

 Israel says that about 132 captives remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 25 believed to have been killed.

More than 100 captives were released during a short-lived ceasefire in November.