Tel Aviv: Following a Hamas statement that a US-backed truce failed to meet the group’s demands, an Israel far-right minister said on Friday that it is time for the Zionist power to use “full force” in Gaza, Agence France-Presse reported. Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that since Hamas rejected the proposal again, there should be no more excuses. Israel must end the confusion, the shuffling and the weakness. Israel has already missed too many opportunities, and it is time to go in with full force “without blinking, to destroy, and kill Hamas to the last one,” AFP quoted.
His statement comes a day after American President Donald Trump and US envoy Steve Witkoff a ceasefire proposal before Hamas that Israel approved. However, Israel has not confirmed that it has approved the proposal. Though Hamas had informed last week that it had accepted a US-backed deal, on Thursday, it said that its new version does not meet its demands. Hamas’ political bureau member Bassem Naim said that the new version meant more killing and famine.
Hamas also considered the fresh ceasefire proposal a retreat from the previous one, which included the US’s commitment to permanent ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains significantly vulnerable despite the start of trickling in of aid, which is after more than two months of blockade by Israel. According to food security experts, one in five people suffers from starvation in the enclave. Also, medical facilities are experiencing severe strain as well as repeated attacks.