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.