Israel’s national security minister condemns ceasefire efforts

Itamar Ben Gvir, the national security minister of Israel, has condemned the Gaza ceasefire talks, arguing that efforts to reach a ceasefire strengthen Hamas, Middle East Eye reported on July 10th.

Ben Gvir claimed that the talks will give Hamas a greater incentive to take hostages. Ben Gvir stressed that the lives of Israel’s soldiers and people carry greater value “than any normalisation or economic agreements”.

The minister insisted that his country should not be “negotiating with a murderous terrorist” group. His comments followed the death of an Israeli soldier in Khan Younis, who was killed by the Al-Qassam Brigades – Hamas’s armed wing.

Middle East Eye