Ben-Gvir calls for more Gaza killings
“I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night. Until recently, Israel had been carrying out near-daily strikes on Gaza, with more than 1,250 people killed since an October truce took effect, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a lawmaker in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’s coalition, publicly called for the killing of “30 to 40” people in Gaza each night, in comments that surfaced on Sunday. “It’s no secret, I disagree with the prime minister,” he said. The Israeli military says the strikes have targeted Hamas militants.
Not just those who pose an immediate threat — there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people. The attacks appeared to ease in recent days in what was seen as a quiet concession to US President Donald Trump, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the president’s latest push to advance the truce, as cited by news agency AP. Trump’s latest proposal calls for Hamas to gradually surrender its weapons, while Israeli forces halt attacks and begin withdrawing from Gaza.
Hamas Ties Weapon Surrender to Palestinian Statehood
Hamas has agreed to a plan but has conditioned the surrender of its heaviest weapons on the establishment of a Palestinian state. This condition is firmly opposed by Israel’s current government and a significant portion of its political establishment.
Israeli Stance on Gaza Ceasefire Stalls Reconstruction Efforts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza or change its stance until Hamas is fully disarmed. This firm position has resulted in a deadlock regarding other components of the proposed ceasefire. As a consequence, discussions about deploying an international force and plans for rebuilding the war-torn region are currently stalled.