Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar says if Hamas maintains control in the Gaza Strip, the group will pose a threat not just to Israel but the entire region.

“The rule of Hamas in Gaza is not only a danger for the security of Israel, but also a nightmare for the Palestinians themselves,” causing 15 months of grueling war in Gaza and the region, Sa’ar tells foreign media outlets during a briefing in Jerusalem. “If [Hamas] will stay in power, the regional instability it causes might continue,” he adds. Sa’ar echoes comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night that what went into effect this morning is a “temporary ceasefire,” and that a more permanent truce will be negotiated only starting on day 16 of the agreement: “I hope we will reach it, but it’s not in our hands yet.”

If a deal suitable to Israel is not reached — including the toppling of Hamas and the return of all the hostages — then fighting will resume, adds Sa’ar.