Israel far-right finance minister warns won't back Gaza 'surrender' deal

Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned on Monday that he would not support a deal in Gaza that halts the war, insisting that Israel should "open all the gates of hell" on the Palestinian territory.

"The proposed agreement is a catastrophe for Israel's national security. We will not be part of a surrender deal," Smotrich said on X. "We must take decisive control of humanitarian aid... and open the gates of hell on Gaza until Hamas surrenders unconditionally."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday that Israel is "working hard" to reach a deal that would facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held captive in Gaza.

"There has been progress in the negotiations for the release of the hostages. Israel really wants to release the hostages and is working hard to secure a deal," Saar said at a joint press conference with his visiting Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen.