JERUSALEM
Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett called on his government to immediately stop indirect negotiations with Palestinian group Hamas for a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, which are set to resume in Cairo later Sunday.
“We must stop the negotiations with Hamas and take our fate into our own hands: Humanitarian aid yes, terror no," Bennett said during a cabinet meeting on Sunday.
“Israel would allow humanitarians aid to Gaza, such as food and medicines, but we will work against any weapon or tunnel,” he added. “Any other option binds our hands and brings next war.”
Israeli Finance Minister Yair Lapid, for his part, said that Israel should ensure that safety is restored to Israeli nationals before announcing the end of the operation in Gaza.
"Israel's residents should feel safe and we cannot end this operation without them feeling secure again," Lapid said.
Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams arrived earlier Sunday in Cairo to resume indirect talks as the Egyptian-brokered five-day truce entered its fourth day.
The talks follow more than a month of Israeli attacks on the Palestinian territory, leaving nearly 1980 Palestinians dead and around 10,000 others injured.
The Israeli offensive had also left thousands of Gaza homes and buildings in tatter.
About 64 Israeli troops were also killed in Gaza combat, while three civilians were killed by rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, according to official Israeli figures.
The coastal strip, home to some 1.8 million Palestinians, has reeled under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007, which has badly affected residents' livelihoods.
By Anees Barghouthy
www.aa.com.tr/en
