Far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for cutting fuel, aid supplies to Gaza instead of cease-fire deal
TEL AVIV: On Sunday, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced any potential cease-fire or prisoner exchange deal with Hamas as a “grave mistake.” His comments come as Israel prepares to send a negotiating team to Cairo on Thursday to resume discussions aimed at a cease-fire and prisoner swap. Ben-Gvir, who has been a vocal critic of concessions to Hamas, stated, “We are crushing Hamas,” and criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the negotiations.
He argued that participating in the talks could inadvertently strengthen Hamas and called for an increase in military pressure instead. “If we cut off their fuel, within a week they would be on their knees. And if we stop the [aid] trucks, within two weeks they would be on their knees,” he claimed. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Netanyahu is under significant pressure from the US to proceed with the deal, despite the potential political repercussions for his government.
The upcoming negotiations in Cairo are considered a critical opportunity for reaching a cease-fire, according to the daily. Despite ongoing indirect negotiations led by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, no agreement has been reached. Israel has refused to meet Hamas’ demands, which include ending the war, withdrawing troops from Gaza, and allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
Since the escalation began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in nearly 39,800 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and over 92,000 injuries, according to local health authorities. The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and ordered an immediate halt to military operations in Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge.
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