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Israeli FM Warns No Peace if Hamas Stays in Power Amid Temporary 42-Day Ceasefire in Gaza

Jan 19, 2025, 11:35 AM

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned that there can be no future of peace, stability, and security for both Israel and Gaza if the Palestinian militant group Hamas remains in power in the Gaza Strip. This statement was made during a press conference in Jerusalem, coinciding with the start of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Saar emphasized that the current ceasefire agreement is temporary, and Israel has not yet achieved its objectives of dismantling Hamas's military and governmental capabilities. The ceasefire, which began on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. local time, is set for an initial phase of 42 days, involving a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, but does not mark a definitive end to hostilities. The agreement stipulates that negotiations for a second phase, which would address the permanent cessation of hostilities, will begin on the 16th day of the truce.