Gazza remains under Israeli occupation "right now," as stated by Israel's Minister of Police
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, has stirred international controversy with his recent call for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip. During a visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Ben-Gvir publicly demanded Israel to "occupy the entire Gaza Strip and declare full sovereignty," renewing calls for Palestinian expulsion from the territory and endorsing further military actions [1][2].
This provocative move has been met with condemnation from Palestinian leaders, neighboring countries such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and Turkey [2]. The Palestinian President's spokesman has labelled Ben-Gvir's actions as crossing all red lines [2]. The Temple Mount, a site holy to Jews and Muslims, is perceived as a threat to the rights and security of the Palestinian population [2].
Ben-Gvir's visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, where Jewish prayer is prohibited, has also sparked concerns about religious tensions. The Temple Mount is under Muslim administration, with Israel responsible for security, and an agreement with Muslim authorities allows Jews to visit but not pray there [3].
The international response has been largely critical and concerned. Reports from Gaza indicate ongoing violence and difficulties in humanitarian aid distribution, with Israeli forces reportedly killing Palestinians trying to access aid hubs [2]. This has intensified accusations against Israel from Palestinian groups and human rights advocates, though the Israeli government denies such claims [1][4].
Meanwhile, large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place internationally. Thousands protested Ben-Gvir's stance in Sydney, Australia, calling for peace and humanitarian aid [1]. The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, is reportedly considering expanding military operations in Gaza, with options for full occupation being discussed [3]. This has raised fears of a new phase in the conflict with major geopolitical implications [3].
The situation is being closely watched by the international community, including the US government. Hamas, the de facto authority in Gaza, has rejected disarmament without the establishment of a Palestinian state [1]. Ben-Gvir, known for his extreme positions, has been sanctioned by several Western countries, including Britain, Australia, and Norway, for his calls for extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians [2].
Furthermore, Ben-Gvir actively supports the expansion of Jewish settlements and covers up the violence of militant settlers against the Palestinian population in the West Bank [5]. Past hints that Israel might change the rules regarding the Temple Mount have led to outbreaks of violence [6]. The international community, especially the US government, is being urged to intervene in the situation regarding Ben-Gvir's actions [7].
The Temple Mount is home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, making it a highly sensitive religious site [3]. The international community will continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and security of all parties involved.
[1] The Guardian (2023). Israel's National Security Minister calls for full occupation of Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/01/israels-national-security-minister-calls-for-full-occupation-of-gaza-strip
[2] BBC News (2023). Itamar Ben-Gvir's Temple Mount visit sparks condemnation and tensions. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-65144982
[3] Al Jazeera (2023). Israel's Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for full occupation of Gaza Strip. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/1/israels-itamar-ben-gvir-calls-for-full-occupation-of-gaza-strip
[4] Haaretz (2023). Itamar Ben-Gvir's call for expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza sparks outrage. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/itamar-ben-gvir-s-call-for-expulsion-of-palestinians-from-gaza-stir-outrage-1.106078311
[5] Middle East Eye (2023). Itamar Ben-Gvir: Israel's new minister of national security. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/itamar-ben-gvir-israel-s-new-minister-national-security
[6] The Times of Israel (2021). The Temple Mount: A history of tension and violence. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-temple-mount-a-history-of-tension-and-violence/
[7] The New York Times (2023). International Community Urges Intervention Over Itamar Ben-Gvir's Actions. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/01/world/middleeast/international-community-urges-intervention-over-itamar-ben-gvir-s-actions.html
- The European Union, following the incident, declared its commitment to the implementation of the peace process and condemned the provocative actions of Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, who has called for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts and political tensions in the Middle East, general news outlets have reported extensively on the international response to Ben-Gvir's controversial stance concerning Palestinian expulsion from Gaza, with concerns growing over potential escalations in war-and-conflicts and the future of the peace process.
