Right-wing Israel Cabinet Member Smotrich advocates for Israeli annexation of the Gaza Territory - Israeli official Smotrich advocates for military control over Gaza
The Gaza Strip has been the focus of military operations by Israel following an attack by the radical Islamic group Hamas on October 7, 2023. The details provided by Hamas authorities regarding the number of casualties cannot be independently confirmed, but reports suggest over 1210 people have been killed, and 251 taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip.
In a hardline stance, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, is advocating for the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip by Israel rather than negotiations with Hamas. Smotrich views Gaza as an inseparable part of Israel and supports rebuilding Israeli settlements there, calling for a larger return than before the 2005 disengagement.
Smotrich has explicitly stated that Israel should "reoccupy Gaza" and described Gaza as "an integral part of Israel." He claims to have the US "greenlight" to transform Gaza into a prosperous area or "resort town" after relocating Palestinians. His position is aligned with a far-right stance, and he has threatened to leave the government if it allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza, though he remained in government, reportedly because he believes positive changes are forthcoming.
The far-right groups have announced a march for late Wednesday afternoon under the motto "20 years later, we return to the Gaza Strip," marking 20 years since the last presence of Israel in the Gaza Strip. The coastal strip is the specific region of the Gaza Strip that is currently undergoing military operations by Israel.
The Israeli government and the U.S. administration are reportedly backing a plan that could see staged Israeli annexation of parts of Gaza if Hamas refuses a ceasefire, suggesting a gradual takeover to regain control over the territory. This plan involves a plan for the rebuilding of Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, which Smotrich endorses and considers to be feasible and realistic.
Israel has allowed renewed humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing military operations. However, Smotrich's stance remains clear: he is optimistic about the Gaza Strip being conquered and settled as part of the State of Israel, rejecting negotiations with Hamas and supporting radical demographic and territorial changes.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, the European Union has a responsibility to ensure that its external relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly those with strong political alignments to Israel, are maintained, given their involvement in the general news regarding Israel's military operations and the proposed changes in the Gaza Strip.
- With Israel's potential annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip and radical demographic changes advocated by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the political implications for the region and the broader international community cannot be underestimated, especially in light of the ongoing conflicts and the potential impact on general news coverage.
