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Liberman: Gaza's Kerem Shalom crossing to open in 'near hours'

AUGUST 15, 2018 07:24

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said Gaza's Kerem Shalom industrial goods crossing will open in the "near hours" in an interview with Army Radio on Wednesday, following the IDF's statement which said as much.

Liberman stressed during the interview it is important to remember why the last few days have been the quietest since March 30, when Gazans began the "March of Return." Liberman said the reason for the relative quiet is because Hamas has taken significant hits in the last few days and understands that the next conflict with Israel would involve taking much tougher hits.

"It's clear Hamas has been significatly weakened. If Hamas returns to violence, the IDF's response will be tougher than what they have seen," he said.

The defense minister also said Gazans need to understand they only benefit from quiet and a cessation of violence, not Hamas' actions, and underscored Israel has never discussed a ceasefire with Hamas directly.

"We have never, and will never talk with Hamas," Liberman said, clarifying Israel instead speaks with interlocutors, specifying the UN, US and Egypt.

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