Israel will pursue Gaza attacks with or without international support – FM

Israel will continue its attacks on Gaza with or without international support, the Israeli foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Minister Eli Cohen said that agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza now will be a mistake.

“Israel will continue the war against Hamas with or without international support,” said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. “A ceasefire at the current stage is a gift to the terrorist organisation Hamas, and will allow it to return and threaten the residents of Israel.”

Cohen also called on the international community to act “effectively and aggressively” to protect global shipping lanes.

The UN General Assembly voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire on Tuesday, however, the decision is not binding.

So far, the Israeli aggression on Gaza killed more than 18,400 civilians, around 9,000 of which are children.