In a tense exchange following Hamas’s agreement to a truce proposal, Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, minced no words. He accused the group of playing “games” and issued a stark directive: “An immediate order to occupy Rafah!”
Ben-Gvir’s statement reflects the hardline stance of some members within the Israeli government. He has been among those urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue the fight in Gaza until Hamas is completely defeated.
Meanwhile, the United States is closely monitoring the situation. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasised that Washington would “withhold judgment” on Hamas’s response to the ceasefire proposal until a thorough review could be conducted.
“Hamas has issued a response,” Miller confirmed. “We are currently reviewing it and discussing it with our regional partners.”
However, Miller declined to reveal whether Hamas had agreed to a US-approved offer or if they had proposed an alternative version of the truce.
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