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Israeli Minister Urges Hamas to Surrender and Depart from Gaza.
Bezalel Smotrich insists on the disarmament of Hamas and warns that he will exit the governing coalition if the war against the militant organization does not restart.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared on Monday that Hamas militants must relinquish their weapons and leave Gaza.
This announcement was made as the Israeli cabinet was set to consider the next steps in the truce with Hamas.
In a video address, Smotrich stressed his intention to advocate for a ministerial vote on a proposal from US President Donald Trump, urging Israel to issue a definitive ultimatum to Hamas that demands the immediate release of all hostages, relocation from Gaza to other countries, and disarmament.
Smotrich asserted, "If Hamas rejects this ultimatum, Israel will unleash hell," a phrase previously utilized by both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Renowned for his hardline view against a cessation of hostilities, Smotrich signaled that he might withdraw from Netanyahu's coalition government if fighting does not resume following the initial phase of the ceasefire.
Trump's proposal, which has faced criticism for being vague, has incited international backlash for suggesting the resettlement of Palestinians in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan under proposed US governance of Gaza.
Smotrich advocated for a "complete conquest" of the region.
Israeli media reported that the security cabinet met on Monday evening to discuss the second phase of a ceasefire that commenced on January 19, 2023. According to data from the United Nations, more than 15 months of conflict have led to over 69 percent of buildings in Gaza being either destroyed or damaged, displacing nearly the entire population and causing severe food shortages.
Smotrich stated, "It's them or us. We either defeat Hamas, or God forbid, Hamas will defeat us." He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to declare that upon the resumption of combat after the current phase, Israel intends to claim 10 percent of Gaza's territory, exercise complete sovereignty over it, and promptly enforce Israeli law there.
He also mentioned that all humanitarian aid would cease once hostilities are resumed.
In his remarks, Smotrich unveiled an upcoming plan that would allow residents of Gaza to exit but under conditions that prevent their return.
He concluded, "The loss of territory is the only significant cost our enemies comprehend—the sole factor that will convince them we are serious."
Since the truce commenced, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
Out of the 251 individuals captured during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict, 70 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 35 of them are deceased.
This announcement was made as the Israeli cabinet was set to consider the next steps in the truce with Hamas.
In a video address, Smotrich stressed his intention to advocate for a ministerial vote on a proposal from US President Donald Trump, urging Israel to issue a definitive ultimatum to Hamas that demands the immediate release of all hostages, relocation from Gaza to other countries, and disarmament.
Smotrich asserted, "If Hamas rejects this ultimatum, Israel will unleash hell," a phrase previously utilized by both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Renowned for his hardline view against a cessation of hostilities, Smotrich signaled that he might withdraw from Netanyahu's coalition government if fighting does not resume following the initial phase of the ceasefire.
Trump's proposal, which has faced criticism for being vague, has incited international backlash for suggesting the resettlement of Palestinians in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan under proposed US governance of Gaza.
Smotrich advocated for a "complete conquest" of the region.
Israeli media reported that the security cabinet met on Monday evening to discuss the second phase of a ceasefire that commenced on January 19, 2023. According to data from the United Nations, more than 15 months of conflict have led to over 69 percent of buildings in Gaza being either destroyed or damaged, displacing nearly the entire population and causing severe food shortages.
Smotrich stated, "It's them or us. We either defeat Hamas, or God forbid, Hamas will defeat us." He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to declare that upon the resumption of combat after the current phase, Israel intends to claim 10 percent of Gaza's territory, exercise complete sovereignty over it, and promptly enforce Israeli law there.
He also mentioned that all humanitarian aid would cease once hostilities are resumed.
In his remarks, Smotrich unveiled an upcoming plan that would allow residents of Gaza to exit but under conditions that prevent their return.
He concluded, "The loss of territory is the only significant cost our enemies comprehend—the sole factor that will convince them we are serious."
Since the truce commenced, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
Out of the 251 individuals captured during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict, 70 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 35 of them are deceased.
