Tel aviv: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to terminate ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Gaza and to take decisive action against the Palestinian group Hamas. In a statement released on Thursday, Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) Party, described the negotiations as "reckless deals" that encourage Hamas to engage in further abductions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir's comments followed an incident confirmed by the Israeli army, where a soldier was killed and another critically injured during a failed abduction attempt by Hamas in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. Ben-Gvir criticized Netanyahu for engaging with what he described as "a murderous terrorist organization," arguing that such negotiations undermine security and embolden Hamas.
Ben-Gvir emphasized that the safety of Israeli soldiers and settlers should take precedence over any potential normalization or economic benefits from a ceasefire deal. He urged Netanyahu to issue a direct order to "wipe out Hamas completely," reflecting his longstanding opposition to prisoner exchanges or cease-fire agreements with the group. Ben-Gvir has consistently advocated for the reoccupation of Gaza, the establishment of new settlements, and the expulsion of its Palestinian populace.
Amidst these tensions, opposition groups and families of Israeli hostages in Gaza are intensifying pressure on the government to finalize an agreement to secure the release of their relatives. Current Israeli estimates suggest that approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with about 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 10,400 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, where rights groups allege conditions of torture, starvation, and medical neglect resulting in multiple deaths.
In recent developments, Hamas has expressed willingness to release 10 living hostages as a gesture to facilitate a ceasefire agreement. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration is nearing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, with indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel underway in Doha, Qatar.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Israeli army reportedly killing nearly 57,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The continuous bombardment has devastated the region, causing food shortages and the spread of disease.
In related international legal proceedings, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.