Tel Aviv -Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has issued a stern warning against ongoing ceasefire negotiations, labelling them a “catastrophe” and cautioning that the talks mark a “crucial and fateful time for the security, future, and existence of the State of Israel.” His comments reflect growing divisions within the Israeli government over the prospective deal.
While reports suggest last-minute delays are stalling the agreement, the Israeli government has denied intentionally hindering progress, stating, “We are not there yet.”
In Gaza, anticipation of the deal has sparked public celebrations, with footage circulating online showing residents taking to the streets. However, the scenes have drawn criticism from U.S. commentator Eyal Yakoby, who argued that “the West has been played by Palestinian propaganda.”
The situation remains volatile, with international observers closely monitoring developments as negotiations continue. Smotrich’s remarks underline the deep stakes and fractures surrounding the potential ceasefire, which could have lasting implications for the region’s stability.
Despite some pauses in talks on Tuesday evening, Hamas has now “OK’d” the terms of a ceasefire, according to AP. The news agency, citing sources from Hamas, Egypt and Israel, said the terrorist organisation “has accepted a draft agreement,” while Jerusalem believes “progress has been made, but the details are being finalised.”
The deal, if it crosses the line, would see the staggered release of Israeli hostages, in return for the release of many more Palestinian prisoners and for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. To its critics, this smacks of surrender.
After threatening to resign over the potential ceasefire earlier this week, alongside national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Smotrich today said “the only thing that concerns me is how to win, how to destroy Hamas, how to bring all our hostages home.”
Yesh Atid party official Merav Ben Ari criticised the anti-ceasefire element of Netanyahu’s government for dealing only with “hollow slogans,” and praised U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to (almost) bring about a deal.
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