Deputy defense minister: Hamas made Gaza into a troublesome abscess

Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai (Labor) said Monday that Hamas has turned the Gaza Strip into a problematic abscess.

"Gaza is like an abscess – a problematic boil. Until they understand what to do in Gaza, nothing will move forward here," said Vilnai while touring the Eshkol Regional Council in southern Israel on Monday. "Instead of taking care of its people, Hamas is trying to conquer Jerusalem." Tensions along the Israel-Gaza border have escalated this month, marked with a surge of violence and exchange of fire between IDF forces and Gaza militants. This is despite declarations by both Israel and Hamas that they do not want another escalation.

On Sunday, IDF forces killed two Palestinian militants who were attempting to lay explosives on the Gaza border.


An IDF spokeswoman said the troops, later backed up by helicopters, confirmed hitting the militants who had tried to attack them.

"Hamas is responsible for whatever happens in Gaza," the IDF said in its statement, reiterating Israel's position that the leaders of the coastal territory must maintain calm in the Strip.