Israeli envoy to Latin America rejects Hamas rule in Gaza, conditions ceasefire on group's removal

Israeli Ambassador to Latin America Amir Ofek stated Israel will not accept a post-war Gaza governed by Hamas, framing the group's removal as a precondition for any ceasefire. This reiterates Israel's long-standing position amid US pressure for a truce and ahead of Israeli elections, signaling no policy shift. The statement underscores a key obstacle to ceasefire negotiations, as Hamas's disarmament or removal remains a core sticking point.