Israel on Wednesday ruled out mediated talks with Hamas and other Gaza-based terror groups, which are apparently seeking a truce to end the latest deadly escalation, unnamed Israeli officials told local media.
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Egypt, which shares a border with the Gaza Strip, has often served as a broker between Israel and the Islamist leaders of the Gaza Strip, who were reportedly prepared to agree a ceasefire after massive IDF strikes against terrorist infrastructure and high-ranking operatives in Hamas.
The officials stressed that Israel was intent on eradicating the terror networks responsible for the latest escalation of violence, and was unwilling to settle for another temporary détente.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued earlier on Wednesday a statement to similar effect.
"Israel is not preparing for a ceasefire. There is currently no end date for the operation. Only when we achieve complete quiet can we talk about calm," Gantz said. "We will not listen to moral preaching from any organization or institution regarding our right and duty to protect the citizens of Israel."
The most intense hostilities since 2014 have killed at least 48 people in Gaza, including 14 children, three Palestinians in the West Bank, and five Israelis since Monday.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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