Israeli Energy Minister calls for total occupation of Gaza Strip

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said the country, which controls about 70% of the Gaza Strip, should take the Palestinian enclave "under full control." His words were broadcast by Al Jazeera TV channel on August 2.

The Israeli official stressed that no agreement had been reached on the cessation of hostilities on the part of Israel.

According to the newspaper, Cohen became the last senior Israeli official to speak negatively about the peace agreement with the Palestinian movement Hamas, which is being promoted by the "Peace Council" created by US President Donald Trump.

Defeat Line: Israel expands control in Gaza

More than 600 Palestinians have been killed in the exclave since the ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the government on July 27 that the United States was demanding the withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. The politician indicated that he intends to oppose this requirement.