Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday vowed to oppose any deal to end the Gaza war, while top officials reported progress towards securing an agreement.

Since early January, indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have resumed in Doha to strike a ceasefire deal that would also facilitate the release of dozens of hostages still held in Gaza.

“The proposed agreement is a catastrophe for Israel’s national security,” Smotrich said on X. "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.

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

“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.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar meanwhile said that Israel was “working hard” to reach a deal that would facilitate the release of the captives.

At a joint press conference with his visiting Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Jerusalem on Monday, Saar said: “There has been progress in the negotiations for the release of the hostages.”

“Israel really wants to release the hostages and is working hard to secure a deal.”

Smotrich, an outspoken member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, has repeatedly opposed halting the war in Gaza.

His comments came amid rising calls by Israelis, particularly families of hostages still held in Gaza, to reach an accord that would bring home their loved ones.