Kathmandu— Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called for the execution of 30 to 40 individuals nightly in Gaza, claiming some Palestinians are “not people.” The statement came as a supposed ceasefire agreement stalled over disagreements regarding Hamas disarmament and Israeli Defense Forces withdrawal from the territory. Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline stance, reiterated opposition to reduced military operations and advocated for increased targeted killings and further settlement of Gaza by Israelis.

Escalation Despite Ceasefire

Despite a claimed ceasefire being in effect, Israel has continued air strikes within Gaza while negotiations remain stalled. Ben-Gvir expressed his discontent with the reduced level of Israeli military operations under the armistice, arguing for more aggressive action. He stated that Israel should carry out 30 to 40 “targeted assassinations” each night, not only targeting immediate threats but also those he deems unworthy of life.

Dehumanizing Rhetoric and Settlement Goals

Ben-Gvir went further, stating there are people in Gaza who “are not human beings” and do not deserve to live. He also reiterated his support for Israeli settlement within Gaza, envisioning a future where the territory is fully integrated into Israel with widespread settlements. The minister, who oversees Israel’s police force, has consistently pushed for policies considered far-right.

Political Context and Coalition Dynamics

Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Ben-Gvir has advocated for increasingly harsh policies, including the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism. His political party, Jewish Power, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism, played a key role in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's return to power in 2022 and the formation of his governing coalition.

International Condemnation and Shifting Perceptions

Israel’s hardline policies and actions in Gaza have drawn widespread international condemnation. Additionally, Netanyahu’s pursuit of military action against Iran has strained relations with the United States, Israel's most important ally. A Pew Research Center survey from June revealed that 60% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Israel, a significant increase from 42% in 2022, and similar negative views were found across multiple European countries.

Ben-Gvir’s statements underscore the deep divisions within Israeli politics regarding the future of Gaza and the ongoing conflict. The stalled ceasefire negotiations and continued international criticism suggest no immediate resolution is likely.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.