11.02.2025 20:40
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that they would annex part of the Gaza Strip if anything were to happen to the hostages held by Hamas. Smotrich, who argued that Hamas should be given an "ultimatum," also called for the prevention of humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made a statement to the local press before a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet to discuss the decision to suspend the prisoner exchange expected to take place on February 15.
"WE WILL ANNEX GAZA TERRITORIES"
Smotrich, who argued that Hamas should be given an "ultimatum," called for the prevention of humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Suggesting the annexation of Gaza territories if anything happens to Israeli hostages, Smotrich stated, "If any hostage is harmed, we will annex five percent of Gaza territories that day."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Hamas's military wing, the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, announced yesterday that the prisoner exchange expected to take place on February 15 had been suspended due to Israel's failure to fulfill its commitments in the ceasefire agreement. In Hamas's statement, it was noted that the decision to suspend was announced five days before the prisoner exchange, thus providing an opportunity for mediating countries to exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the ceasefire terms.