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.”