Finance minister said to convene with bereaved families, relatives of hostages, and strategists to formulate pressure tactics for stopping ceasefire-hostage deal after 1st stage

A fragile ceasefire in Gaza is under threat due to intensifying violence in the West Bank, where Israeli forces conducted military raids as settlers rampaged through Palestinian towns. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from his far-right allies.

Asharq Al Awsat In the days since a fragile ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip, Israel has launched a major military operation in the occupied West Bank and suspected Jewish settlers have rampaged through two Palestinian towns.

Israel's top general resigned on Tuesday, citing the security and intelligence failures related to Hamas' surprise attack that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel meanwhile launched a large operation in the occupied West Bank, killing at least eight people, according to Palestinian officials.

Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said four Israeli hostages will be freed on Saturday in exchange for a second group of Palestinian prisoners after Sunday's swap.

"The State of Israel will be able to return to the war on day 43" if talks fail during the first phase of the ceasefire, the Israeli finance minister told

Israel's finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to topple Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition if war in Gaza doesn't resume post-ceasefire. Smotrich's departure could lead to government collapse.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatens to dismantle the government if it proceeds with the second phase of the ceasefire deal.

The finance minister accused Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi of having an aversion to anything sacking of military "occupation."

The first three Israeli hostages released as part of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war are reportedly in "stable condition," according to the hospital where they are being examined. Emily Damari,

Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has spoken out in favour of Israeli occupation of the entire Gaza Strip, in remarks to Israeli military radio. Smotrich, the leader of the Religious Zionist Party,

Far-right minister says he 'received a commitment' that there would be a gradual Israeli takeover of enclave, despite ceasefire deal