Israel’s Smotrich says destruction of Hamas ‘must not be delayed’

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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says his country should not remain silent over the “severe violation” carried out by the Palestinian group, Al Jazeera reports.

“The severe violation by Hamas and the ongoing abuse cannot be faced with silence. And neither can the certain knowledge that they brutally murdered the young Ariel and Kfir in captivity,” he added, referring to two children whose bodies were returned yesterday.

The body that Israel claims to be unidentified was supposed to be their mother — Shiri Bibas.

Smotrich said: “The only solution is the destruction of Hamas and it must not be delayed.”

Hamas fighters keep guard on the day Hamas hands over deceased hostages seized during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, to the Red Cross, as part of a ceasefire and hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on February 20. — Reuters
Hamas fighters keep guard on the day Hamas hands over deceased hostages seized during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, to the Red Cross, as part of a ceasefire and hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on February 20. — Reuters

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