Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich insists on continuing the Gaza war until a “decisive victory” is achieved, rejecting ceasefire calls despite mounting civilian casualties and international appeals for peace.

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As the devastating conflict between Israel and Gaza enters its ninth month, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly declared that the war must persist until Israel secures an unequivocal victory. His stance comes amid deepening fractures within the Israeli government over the future of military operations in Gaza, even as international mediators push for ceasefires to halt the escalating humanitarian disaster.

At a press briefing on Monday, Smotrich dismissed any proposals for a ceasefire or negotiated settlement, framing the conflict as a campaign against a “crushed terrorist organization.” He warned that prematurely ending the war would pose “no greater danger” to Israel’s future, asserting that the operation must conclude with a “decisive victory for many generations to come, without agreements, without mediators.”

This uncompromising rhetoric reflects the far-right faction’s influence within the Israeli cabinet, which has repeatedly stalled consensus on peace efforts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure as mediators from Egypt and Qatar advocate for a 60-day truce tied to humanitarian access and hostage releases.

Humanitarian Toll: Gaza in Ruins, Thousands of Civilians Dead

The ongoing Israeli bombardment has left Gaza devastated. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 56,000 Palestinians,predominantly civilians,have lost their lives since the war’s onset in October 2023. The United Nations has reported that more than 400 people were killed while seeking aid after the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began operations in late May, following a prolonged Israeli blockade.

Left-wing and international human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s military campaign as disproportionate and a violation of international law. The United Nations Human Rights Council and Amnesty International have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilian lives and ensure humanitarian corridors.

📰 via @Jerusalem_Post:
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated he would oppose any agreements that would include ending the fighting in Gaza in a press conference on Monday.https://t.co/jI4WGG8izJ

— FDD’s Center on Economic & Financial Power (CEFP) (@FDD_CEFP) July 1, 2025

Israel’s military leadership, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, claims the ground offensive is nearing its goals, intensifying operations after stalled negotiations over approximately 20 hostages still held by Hamas. However, the continued violence and refusal to pause military action have raised serious concerns about the prospects for peace and the welfare of civilians trapped in Gaza.

Israeli media reports acknowledge civilian casualties near aid distribution points, though the Israeli Defense Forces dispute the figures released by Hamas. This ongoing cycle of violence underscores the tragic human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.

Governments allied with Venezuela and Cuba have condemned Israel’s unrelenting military campaign. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Carlos Faria denounced the “genocidal aggression” against the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate ceasefire and respect for Palestinian sovereignty. Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly condemned the “massive violations of human rights” in Gaza, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable.

Left-wing media and solidarity movements across Latin America emphasize that the continuation of this war serves imperialist interests and perpetuates the suffering of the Palestinian people. They call for intensified global pressure on Israel to halt its offensive and engage in genuine peace negotiations without preconditions.

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