TEL AVIV Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has sparked international condemnation with a call to “entirely destroy” Gaza and displace its population. This rhetoric follows the Israeli security cabinet’s approval of an expanded military offensive that could result in the permanent occupation of Gaza.
The move has drawn strong criticism globally, with France and the European Union calling for immediate resumption of humanitarian aid to the region. The international community has warned that Israel’s actions are worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In addition to military escalation, Israel has proposed controlling Gaza’s humanitarian aid through private American firms, a plan met with backlash from the United Nations. Critics argue this violates international humanitarian principles and risks exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population.
The situation remains tense as global powers demand restraint, and efforts to provide aid continue to face significant challenges.
