Israeli Security Minister Opposes Ceasefire Talks with Hamas
In a bold statement on Sunday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas as a "serious mistake." This declaration comes as Israel prepares to send a negotiating team to Egypt on Thursday to discuss a possible ceasefire in Gaza and resume talks on prisoner exchanges.
Ben-Gvir asserted, "We are crushing Hamas. I listen not only to the opinions of security cabinet officials but also to those of commanders in the field." He further criticized the Prime Minister's decision, saying, "Are we now going to strengthen Hamas by participating in talks in Cairo? This is a serious mistake on the part of the Prime Minister."
The hardline minister argued that the only way to secure the release of Israelis held by Hamas is to "increase military pressure." He proposed more extreme measures, suggesting, "If we cut off their fuel, they'll be on their knees in a week. And if we block the [aid] trucks, they'll be on their knees within two weeks. So why are we going to make a deal, especially such an irresponsible one?"
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from the United States to reach an agreement with Hamas, even if it means "the fall of his government." The publication reported that the upcoming round of negotiations in Cairo is viewed as "the absolute last chance" to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the region.
For months, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been conducting indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, no agreement has been reached due to Israel's refusal to meet Hamas's demands to end the war, withdraw troops from Gaza, and allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
The Israeli offensive has resulted in nearly 39,800 casualties since October, following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. More than ten months into the Israeli assault, vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins, subject to a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered an immediate halt to its military operation in Rafah, southern Gaza. Over a million Palestinians had sought refuge in Rafah to escape the war before it was invaded on May 6.
As negotiations hang in the balance, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has devastated countless lives and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region.