Israel’s security cabinet to discuss next phase of Gaza ceasefire

Israel’s security cabinet is set to meet on Monday to discuss the next stage of the ceasefire with Hamas, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to Saudi Arabia as part of his regional tour.

“Hamas cannot continue as a military or a government force … they must be eliminated,” Rubio said in Israel after meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Human rights organisations have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while the International Court of Justice ruled last year that Israel’s actions could amount to genocide. A final ruling is still pending.

Netanyahu claimed Israel and the US share “a common strategy” and warned that “the gates of hell will be opened” if all captives held in Gaza are not released. Since the ceasefire deal began on 19 January, Hamas has freed 19 captives.