Smotrich Reacts to Ceasefire Calls
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has strongly objected to calls from the US, Egypt and Qatar on social media for an “immediate ceasefire in Gaza.” Expressing his respect for the US’s stance and Israel’s protection against regional threats, Smotrich said, “I expect the US to respect Israeli democracy and the security decisions of the authorities elected by the people.”
“Just as the US will not surrender to al-Qaeda, Israel will not bow to external pressure that would endanger its security,” Smotrich said, describing the call by the US, Egypt and Qatar for a ceasefire in Gaza as “an agreement to “surrender to Hamas.” Stressing that he was against such an agreement, Smotrich said, “We will oppose with all our might any attempt that would endanger Israel’s security.”
“Some critics, like Smotrich, argue that this deal amounts to a surrender to Hamas or that there should be no exchange of prisoners for prisoners. These are completely false, scandalous and absurd assessments,” White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said, countering Smotrich’s views.
As calls for a ceasefire continue from the US, Egypt and Qatar, an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza where thousands of displaced Palestinians are taking shelter has killed at least 100 people. Images of human bodies stretched about and bodies burned in the area where the attack took place have laid bare the humanitarian disaster.
