Likud cabinet Minister Yuval Steinitz on Wednesday said Israel should end the current round of cross-border fighting in Gaza by declaring a unilateral ceasefire without any conditions.
The fighting between the military and terror factions in the Strip erupted last Monday after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets on Jerusalem, prompting a fierce Israeli response. Despite mounting international pressure, there appears to be no concrete sign of a ceasefire agreement being reached between the two sides.
"I am against conditions," the energy minister told Ynet, addressing reports about a potential agreement being mediated by Egypt.
"I am one of those who think that another agreement with Hamas should not be sought. If tomorrow [Hamas leaders] Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif have a row, and each wants to show that he is more daring, they will break any agreement without blinking."
He also said if Israel wants permanent quiet on the Gaza border, there is no other option but to launch a massive ground operation and demilitarize the Hamas-controlled enclave by force.
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Rockets being fired into Israel from Gaza and a multi-story building being bombed by IDF in the Strip
(Photo: AFP)
"One day, we will have no escape from a temporary takeover of Gaza, which will have a heavy toll. This day still hasn't come for all sorts of reasons. I think it will, if not now, then in the coming years."
He also refused to give a timeframe for when the ceasefire might be declared. "The last thing I want is to provide the other side with a picture of the schedule. I will, therefore, not talk about whether [it will last] days or weeks or months. Uncertainty for the other side is also a tool in this war."
The fighting between the two sides is the most intense since the 2014 Gaza war, known as Operation Protective Edge. At least 12 people were killed in Israel by rocket fire so far, including a 5-year-old boy. Gaza Health Ministry said 213 Palestinians have been killed in airstrikes, including 61 children.