Iran Press/ Middle East: Addressing reporters in Al-Quds on Wednesday, Israeli war minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed he deemed Tuesday's Egyptian-mediated ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza "a capitulation to terror".
"Despite the difference in opinion, I tried to stay a faithful member of the government for as long as possible … but it has failed," Israeli war minister said according to Reuters.
Lieberman said he also fiercely objected to Israel's allowing Qatar to deliver $15m in aid to Gaza last week.
"From my point of view there are two critical points that made it impossible for me to carry on; the $15 million dollars that went into the Gaza Strip taken in suitcases from Qatar … what would happen with the money after it has gone across the border," Israeli war minister said.
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"It went to the families of the terrorists who fought on the border with Israeli soldiers throwing grenades. These families are the first who are going to receive part of this $15m – in other words we are … giving terrorists money," Lieberman claimed.
"The second point is regarding the ceasefire … I understand all of the reasons and all of the information [behind the decision], but I would not be able to look in the eyes of the people who are within the range of Hamas, who are taken prisoner by Hamas. Hamas has to understand that nobody should go close to the frontier," Israeli war minister noted.
Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), agreed to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel to end the worst violence between the two sides in years.
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Hamas called Lieberman's resignation a "political victory for Gaza"
Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said it marked "recognition of defeat and failure to confront the Palestinian resistance", adding that "Gaza's steadfastness sent a political shockwave" through Israel.
The resignation, which comes into effect 48 hours after Lieberman puts it in writing, significantly weakens Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition government and could bring about early elections.
The latest escalation erupted on 13 November, when the Israeli military bombed the studios of the Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television station. 101/201
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