Ben Gvir demands to crush Hamas over ceasefire negotiations

In Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has vocally opposed the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas, labeling them as reckless. His remarks followed a tragic incident where an IDF soldier, Master Sgt. Avraham Azulay, was killed during an attempted abduction by Hamas operatives in southern Gaza. The soldier was shot while trying to resist being dragged away by attackers who emerged from a tunnel. Ben Gvir stated that each step in the negotiations incentivizes Hamas to carry out further kidnappings, thus deeming them a danger to both soldiers and civilians. During his statement, Ben Gvir urged the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to prioritize military action over negotiations, stating, 'Give the order to crush Hamas completely.' His concerns echo the sentiments of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who expressed outrage over the proposed ceasefire deal, calling it a betrayal of the soldiers. Smotrich further asserted that the plan to withdraw from territories conquered by Israeli forces at great cost would undermine those sacrifices made by servicemen and their families. The proposed ceasefire, set to be discussed in a cabinet meeting, includes a 60-day truce and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from critical areas in Gaza. Netanyahu is under pressure from right-wing coalition partners, who are skeptical about any plan that appears to weaken Israel's military stance. Ben Gvir has explicitly opposed military withdrawal, fearing it would compromise the security of Israeli citizens and soldiers alike. He and Smotrich stand firmly against any agreement that entails concessions being made to Hamas, which they characterize as a terrorist organization. In the backdrop of these political debates, discussions regarding humanitarian efforts are also taking place. There are proposals for the establishment of a 'humanitarian city' in Rafah, which has raised concerns about the costs involved amidst the ongoing conflict. Critics, including Opposition leader Yair Lapid, have condemned the government's focus on maintaining its coalition over addressing the critical needs of the Israeli populace and bringing hostages home. As diplomatic and humanitarian pressures escalate, the internal debate within Netanyahu's government continues without a clear consensus on how to approach the emerging crisis in Gaza.