In a new statement on the evolving situation, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday that Israel has not achieved its goal of defeating Hamas, as the group still holds power in Gaza.

Saar clarified that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump did not force Israel to sign the ceasefire agreement, despite the significant role played by Steve Wittkoff, Trump’s representative, in the negotiations.

In this context, Saar added that the decision to release Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails is a painful and risky step, but it is part of the agreement reached.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect early this morning, Sunday, after mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. Under the agreement, 30 Palestinian detainees will be released for each hostage held by Hamas.