Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
Israeli Minister Advocates for Complete Gaza Strip Occupation
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent figure within the right-wing political spectrum, has publicly called for the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip. He further suggested the implementation of Israeli military rule in the territory if deemed necessary for security and stability. This declaration from a high-ranking cabinet member underscores the ongoing debate within Israel regarding the future governance and control of Gaza amidst the conflict with Hamas.
Call for Military Rule in Gaza
Smotrich articulated his position via a post in Hebrew on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, late on Saturday. “This is the path to securing our safety, and this is the path to bringing the hostages home quickly,” he stated, outlining his rationale for advocating for a full occupation.
Agreement with Netanyahu on Hamas Defeat
The Finance Minister’s remarks also indicated his alignment with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated objective for the ongoing conflict. Smotrich concurred with Netanyahu’s assertion that the war in Gaza must not conclude without the unequivocal defeat of Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, and its complete expulsion from the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s Reiterated Position
Prime Minister Netanyahu reinforced his stance in a recorded video address delivered on Saturday. He declared, “We will not end the ‘war of rebirth’ before we destroy Hamas in Gaza, return all our hostages and ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Hostage Situation and Stalled Negotiations
Official Israeli sources indicate a grim reality regarding hostages held in Gaza. Currently, it is believed that 24 living hostages remain captive, along with the bodies of 35 deceased abductees. Indirect negotiations between Israeli officials and Hamas representatives, aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages, are presently at a standstill, further complicating the prospects for de-escalation.
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Context of the Gaza Conflict
October 7th Attack and Hostage Crisis
The current Gaza conflict was precipitated by the large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This assault, orchestrated by Hamas and other extremist factions, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals within Israel. Furthermore, over 250 Israelis were abducted during the attack and subsequently taken hostage, held within the Gaza Strip.
Casualties in Gaza
Since the commencement of military operations in response to the October 7th attack, the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza reports a significant number of Palestinian casualties. According to their figures, approximately 51,000 individuals have died in the Gaza Strip. A substantial proportion of these casualties are reported to be women and children. It is important to note that these figures, which do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, are compiled by the Hamas-controlled health authority and have not been independently verified by external sources.