Israel’s foreign minister says the army will continue its war against Hamas in Gaza with or without international support and that agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza at this stage would be a mistake.
“Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support,” Eli Cohen said. “A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel.”
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned that Israel risks losing international support, in particular from the European Union, over its “indiscriminate bombing” of civilians.
Cohen also called on the international community to act “effectively and aggressively” to protect global shipping lanes after the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen launched a series of new attacks against Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea.