Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for a sharp escalation of Israeli strikes in Gaza, saying “30 to 40” people should be killed every night. He commented during a podcast with former Gaza hostage Rom Braslavski, reported the Associated Press, citing Palestinian media. He also criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a reduction in Israeli attacks on Gaza. He said he disagreed with the Prime Minister’s approach and argued for a campaign of targeted killings.
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“It’s no secret, I disagree with the Prime Minister,” he said. “I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night. 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.”
Ben-Gvir’s remarks have once again drawn international scrutiny, given his prominent role on Israel’s far right. Similar statements by Israeli officials have faced condemnation and have been cited in arguments before the International Court of Justice over alleged genocidal intent. Israel rejects those allegations and denies that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
He does not command the Israeli military and does not have authority to order airstrikes. However, he oversees Israel’s national police force and prison service, giving him considerable influence over parts of the country’s security apparatus.
CALL FOR PALESTINIANS TO LEAVE GAZA
The Israeli Minister also advocated mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the resettlement of the territory by Israelis. International legal experts have warned that forced displacement of Palestinians could raise serious concerns under international law, including allegations of ethnic cleansing.
His position is consistent with his long-standing support for a larger Israeli presence in Gaza. Twenty years ago, Israel withdrew its troops and dismantled 21 Jewish settlements in the territory as part of its disengagement.
Ben-Gvir has also faced criticism over his treatment of Palestinian prisoners. Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in 2025 that the prison service under his authority had failed to provide Palestinian prisoners with a minimum subsistence diet.
ISRAEL STRIKES GAZA AMID PEACE PUSH
His comments followed renewed diplomatic efforts to advance US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. Trump’s envoys, including Jared Kushner and Nickolay Mladenov, held meetings with Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators in Cairo on Sunday, according to news agency Reuters. Hamas officials also took part in some of the discussions.
Kushner and Mladenov were expected to meet Netanyahu on Monday. The Israeli prime minister had previously described Trump’s latest roadmap as “unacceptable”.
The plan calls for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory, followed by reconstruction under a new civilian Palestinian administration.
Hamas has said it accepted the proposal to prevent the war from restarting but argued that Israel must also fulfil its commitments, including withdrawing its forces and stopping attacks.
Despite the diplomatic push, Israeli strikes have continued.
The Israeli military said it struck Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants in Khan Younis and Nuseirat. Palestinian medics said at least five people were injured in one of the strikes, while one person later died from their wounds. Another Israeli airstrike hit an apartment in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
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With inputs from agencies
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
