TEL AVIV, February 10. /TASS/. Israel is ready for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but only if radical Palestinian movement Hamas is removed from power, Israeli Government Spokesperson David Mencer has told reporters.

"This should be clear: Israel will not end this war until all our goals are met. The final goal is, of course, the permanent cessation of hostilities, but there should be no Hamas in power, and the Gaza Strip should be de-militarized and de-radicalized," he said.

Mencer explained that the objectives of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza remain the same: defeating Hamas, returning all living hostages and retrieving the bodies of the deceased ones.

The government spokesman also said that Israel’s authorities have launched consultations with US partners regarding phase two of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which envisages full cessation of all hostilities in the enclave.

"Yes, we do expect these discussions to be tough, but we are committed to bringing our citizens home and achieving all the other goals in this war," he said.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on January 15 that thanks to the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to cease fire in Gaza and release hostages held in the enclave. During the 42-day first phase of the deal, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. The ceasefire came into force on January 19.