Objecting to the ceasefire: Vice Premier Haim Ramon said Tuesday evening that he opposes the Gaza Strip truce agreement
currently being formulated with Egyptian mediation.
“I oppose the lull, because it's another victory for radical Islam," Ramon said. "It won in Lebanon and now it will be winning in Gaza. So why be moderate? After all, why is Hamas seeking an agreement? Because this will be its chance to represent Gaza as Hamastan state.”
Ramon himself abstained in the cabinet vote Wednesday where ministers decided to advance a lull before embarking on a military operation in Gaza. Ministers Mofaz, Yishai, and Friedmann also abstained in that vote, while no minister voted against the ceasefire.
Speaking at a conference on national security and domestic policy held at University of Haifa, Ramon also addressed the possibility of securing a peace deal with the Palestinian Authority.
“Any meaningful agreement with the Palestinians will need to be validated through elections," he said.
Yet as opposed to Ramon, Meretz Chairman Haim Oron expressed his hopes that reports regarding a Gaza ceasefire were accurate.
"In face of the situation, this is the right solution aimed at bringing quiet to Gaza-region communities," he said. "The Israeli government, just like the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, must engage in every effort in order to maintain the ceasefire. Alongside this move, we should accelerate the negotiations with Mahmoud Abbas
and Ahmed Qureia."
Earlier Tuesday, a Palestinian official said that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin on Thursday.
Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossam Zaki confirmed the statement, saying "the military operations will cease at 6 am Thursday. Both sides agreed to halt all military activities against each other."
Asked whether he believes the parties will uphold the truce, Zaki said "we hope so."
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