The Israeli army’s chief of staff has said that fighting in Gaza will continue if negotiations fail to secure the release of captives still held in the besieged enclave, Al Jazeera reports.

“I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages,” said Eyal Zamir, according to an Israeli army statement. “If not, the combat will continue without rest.”

The Israeli army says 49 captives remain in Gaza, of which only 22 are believed to be alive.

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...