Israel has raised the number of people abducted by Hamas to 239, accusing the terrorists of subjecting them to “psychological games”.

The Israeli army was raised this Sunday 239 The number of people abducted and detained in the Gaza Strip More than 1,400 people were killed in attacks against Israeli territory by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas on the 7th.

In a press appearance, Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said, “The 239 abductees, including foreign workers, whose identities we have found difficult to ascertain, are therefore able to contact their families.” Yesterday, Saturday, the number of abductees provided by Israel was 230, as reported by the military.

“We are continuing our efforts to gather and update information. “The number of missing persons continues to decrease and now stands at 14, whose whereabouts are currently unknown,” Hagari added.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav GallantTerrorists have blamed it to play “Psychic Games” Along with hostages, after offering to release all prisoners in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

“The stories published by Hamas are part of their psychological games […]. Hamas uses our loved ones cynically: they understand pain and pressure.He told relatives of some of the 239 hostages taken by Hamas Gaza StripHis office said in a statement.

On Saturday, the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya ChinwarThe Palestinian militant group declared a readiness Instant exchangePrisoners with Israel.

Gallant said the military campaign inside Gaza was also targeted Secure the release of the hostages.

“They seek the downfall of Israeli society “From inside they brutalize the hostages,” he said.

“Military action is intended, inter alia, to “Increase the likelihood that our people will return”.

The Ezzedine Al-Qassam BrigadeHamas’ armed wing said the Israeli strikes killed around 50 hostages. AFP Could not be independently verified.

The terrorist organization has released 4 hostages so far.

Gallant’s words echo those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who told them during a meeting with the families of the 229 hostages on Saturday. Israel will “exhaust all possibilities” for his return.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, Netanyahu stressed at the meeting that the main objective of the war with Hamas was to free the hostages.

“Pressure level matters”“The more pressure, the more possibilities to release them,” the prime minister said.

The families of the hostages have made an urgent call to meet with Netanyahu and Gallant. Fears for the safety of loved ones are growing due to An increase in Israeli ground operations in Gaza.

For its part, a message was recorded on video and broadcast on the X account (formerly Twitter). Israel Defense ForcesThe Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen Herzi HaleviI promise “Bringing hostages home is a supreme national effort”And “everything possible” will be done to make it successful.

Likewise, Halevi acknowledged that the current move “will be complicated and presents risks because success has a price.”

“To exterminate the enemy, there is no other solution than to enter their territory by force”He insisted.

Israel This Sunday intensified Ground attack It sent new troops into Gaza, and after the attack 450 Hamas targetsIt de facto governs the Strip and its fighters have today fought fierce clashes with Israeli troops in the north of the enclave.

This was Sunday Twenty-third day of the battle between the terrorists and Israel, which erupted on October 7 after a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli territory More than 1,400 people died And 239 hostages were taken, according to figures updated today by an Israeli military spokesman.

Israeli officials do not use that term, but rather the ground offensive, which appears to be gradual “Expansion of Land Operations”More troops are arriving in Gaza, where fighting is already taking place on the ground, although the truth is that it still doesn’t seem to be getting any bigger.

(With information from AFP and EFE)