Khaberni - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated on Monday that the Israeli army is working on a plan for a rapid occupation of the Gaza Strip in case the ceasefire agreement collapses, emphasizing that "the war is not over yet."
He added that "Israel will not allow the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as long as Hamas is not fully disarmed," stressing that "clearing the area of arms is a basic condition for reconstruction" and emphasizing that Israel "will not allow the establishment of a new terrorist authority in Gaza," he said.
He pointed out that "there are agreements and efforts to stabilize the situation, but from our point of view, the real test is in the implementation."
Earlier this month, the "Yedioth Ahronoth" newspaper reported that the National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich worked throughout the war to prevent a ceasefire.
According to the newspaper, the talks with Hamas continued for about two years, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to prevent the collapse of the government coalition, with the ministers working in the background to continue the war.
Both have already expressed their frustration with U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war on Gaza, which Netanyahu accepted. Ben-Gvir claimed it was "dangerous for Israel's security," while Smotrich expressed hope that "Hamas' rejection will save us from ourselves again."
Since the ceasefire took effect on October 11, 2025, there have been 93 deaths and 337 injuries, while 472 bodies have been recovered. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 72 bodies have been identified so far out of 195 received by Palestinian crews from the Israeli occupation.
Despite more than two weeks since the implementation of the agreement, Israel continues to breach the ceasefire at various locations across the Strip. The air force conducted three airstrikes and demotion operations east of Khan Yunis, and drone aircraft dropped bombs near the displaced person camps at the Shujaiya junction, and naval boats fired munitions towards the Rafah coast.
The Civil Defense reported that a number of Palestinians were killed and others injured by shelling targeting a group of civilians in the town of Abasan al-Kabira east of Khan Yunis.
Conversely, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the lifting of the special state of emergency in the southern home front beginning tomorrow morning Tuesday, marking the first time since October 7, 2023.
Katz stated in an official statement that the decision "reflects the new security reality in the south thanks to our forces' activity over the past two years in confronting Hamas," emphasizing his government's commitment "to continue working towards achieving the goals of the war," topped by the disarmament of the Gaza Strip and dismantling the capabilities of the resistance factions.
