Tel Aviv, Jan 19 (NationPress) Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security, along with his party, officially resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government on Sunday due to their disapproval of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

This resignation significantly impacts Netanyahu's already narrow parliamentary majority, as reported by Xinhua.

In the letter of resignation, Ben-Gvir characterized the ceasefire as "dangerous" and labeled it a "surrender deal to terrorism."

He expressed his strong opposition to ceasing military operations, withdrawing troops, and releasing Palestinian prisoners convicted of attacks against Israelis. Additionally, he contests the terms of the agreement that would permit displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza.

Despite his resignation, Ben-Gvir indicated that his party might consider rejoining the government if military actions recommence.

This resignation narrows Netanyahu's coalition to a fragile majority of 62 members within a 120-member parliament. If far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also departs, Netanyahu's coalition will lose its majority, possibly leading to new elections.

In a related development, Hamas has announced the names of three hostages it intends to release on Sunday, which could potentially facilitate the commencement of a Gaza ceasefire after initial delays.

Israel had previously declared its intention to continue military operations in Gaza until the hostages' names were disclosed as per the agreement. The initiation of the ceasefire has already been postponed by over two hours.

As of now, there has been no prompt response from Israel following the publication of the hostages' names by Hamas' armed faction on social media.

The ongoing conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has resulted in more than 46,000 fatalities in Gaza, with numerous Israeli soldiers also losing their lives in the ongoing hostilities within the region.