Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP/TT

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich threatens to occupy Gaza if Hamas does not disarm

Israel's finance minister, far-right politician Bezalel Smotrich, is threatening to completely occupy the Gaza Strip if Hamas, designated a terrorist group, does not lay down its arms.

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"We expect to give Hamas an ultimatum in the coming days to disarm and demilitarize Gaza," Smotrich said in an interview with public service broadcaster Kan on Monday.

He added that Israel's military "will definitely enter and occupy all of Gaza if Hamas is not disarmed," claiming that the United States supports the demand.

The Israeli military entered Gaza in the fall of 2023 following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 of that year.

The Israeli military still controls about half of the land in Gaza, as part of the first phase of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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