"Cutting Gaza aid is key to Hamas’ destruction," says Smotrich

'Israeli' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed that halting aid to Gaza until Hamas is destroyed or surrenders, and all captives are returned, is a step "in the right direction."

"The gates of hell must be opened as quickly and as harshly as possible until complete victory is achieved," Smotrich said.

Meanwhile, former National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to stop humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating that he supports it if fully implemented.

Ben Gvir added that such measures should continue until all captives are released. "Now is the time to open the gates of hell, cut off electricity and water, and return to war," he declared.