Israel’s foreign minister has said that agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza at this stage would be a mistake, and that Israel will continue its war on Hamas whether or not it has international support, Reuters reports.

“Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support,” said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

“A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel.”

Cohen also called on the international community to act “effectively and aggressively” in order to protect global shipping lanes.