Smotrich vows to oppose ceasefire deal

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said he will oppose any ceasefire agreement, saying it would be a "catastrophe for Israel's national security".

"We will not be part of a surrender deal that involves releasing dangerous terrorists, halting the war, squandering the hard-won achievements paid for in blood, and abandoning many hostages still in captivity," he said in a post on X.

"Now is the time to intensify our efforts, using all available force to fully secure and cleanse the Gaza Strip," he added.

"We must take decisive control of humanitarian aid to prevent its exploitation by Hamas, and open the gates of hell on Gaza until Hamas surrenders unconditionally and all hostages are safely returned."

His comments come as top officials report progress towards securing the deal.