Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday that his country must continue with the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip “until victory” is achieved. “Hamas is collapsing and begging for a ceasefire. This is the moment to squeeze the neck until we crush and break the enemy,” Smotrich posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. He pointed out that it would be “senseless” to halt the fighting now, “before the end” and let Hamas “recover to fight us again.” Smotrich’s comments come following reports claiming that Hamas gave initial approval to the ceasefire and hostage deal presented by United States President Joe Biden.