Zeev Elkin, a member of Israel's security cabinet, on 30/7 accused Hamas of deliberately stalling ceasefire talks to force concessions from Tel Aviv. He warned that Israel might issue Hamas an ultimatum to reach an agreement before escalating military action.
"The most painful thing for our enemies is the loss of territory. A clear declaration to Hamas that they will lose land and never get it back the moment they mess with us will be a significant pressure tool," he told Kan public broadcaster.
Elkin suggested Israel could announce plans to annex parts of the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet includes far-right ministers who have openly called for annexing all Palestinian territories. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on 29/7 that efforts to re-establish settlements in Gaza were "closer than ever," describing the strip as "an inseparable part of Israel."
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Right-wing Israeli activists protest near the border with the Gaza Strip on 30/7. Photo: Reuters |
Right-wing Israeli activists protest near the border with the Gaza Strip on 30/7. Photo: Reuters
Mediation efforts for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of remaining Israeli hostages stalled last week, with both Tel Aviv and Hamas blaming each other.
Israel faces mounting pressure over the situation in Gaza, where international organizations warn of a worsening famine. Gaza's health ministry reported 7 more famine-related deaths on 30/7, including a two-year-old girl with underlying health conditions.
Since the October 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas began, 154 people, including 89 children, have died from starvation and malnutrition, with most deaths occurring in recent weeks.
The Israeli military announced measures on 27/7 to facilitate food deliveries to Gaza, including suspending daily military activity in certain areas and opening aid corridors.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it and its partners brought more food into Gaza in the first two days after Israel's move, but the amount was insignificant compared to the need.
France, the United Kingdom, and Canada recently announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, drawing sharp criticism from Israel. Observers say the recognition is largely symbolic but further isolates Israel internationally. Many countries have exerted diplomatic pressure on Israel to open humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
Huyen Le (Reuters)
