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Israeli FM Smotrich Advocates Gaza Occupation, Population Reduction via "Voluntary Emigration
Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocates for occupying Gaza and reducing its population by encouraging "voluntary emigration," drawing criticism from global human rights groups.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-27
Israeli FM Smotrich Advocates Gaza Occupation, Population Reduction via

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked controversy by suggesting that Israel should occupy the Gaza Strip and reduce its Palestinian population by encouraging "voluntary emigration." In remarks made late Monday at an event hosted by the Yesha Council, a group representing Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, Smotrich expressed support for military action and population control in Gaza.

 

"We can and must conquer the Gaza Strip; we should not be afraid of that word," Smotrich said. He referred to what he sees as a "unique opportunity" arising from the "new administration," a likely reference to Donald Trump’s recent re-election campaign.

 

Smotrich, who leads the ultranationalist Religious Zionism party, further suggested that by promoting voluntary emigration, Israel could reduce Gaza's population by half within two years. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and global leaders.

 

The Israeli minister’s remarks are part of a broader far-right agenda that has been met with international condemnation. In August, Smotrich sparked global outrage when he suggested it would be justified to starve two million Gazans to free Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. His latest comments have reignited concerns over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.

 

A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) published on November 14 accused Israel of committing "crimes against humanity" through its mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, calling the actions tantamount to ethnic cleansing. HRW claims that Israel’s policies are creating conditions where Palestinians will not be allowed to return to areas they were displaced from.

 

The European Union’s outgoing foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, echoed these concerns, describing the situation in northern Gaza as increasingly being characterized by the term "ethnic cleansing."

 

Smotrich’s comments have also reignited the debate over “voluntary transfer,” a policy suggested by Smotrich and fellow far-right cabinet member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, in January. The proposal to forcibly relocate Gaza's population of 2.4 million people was widely rejected by the international community, including the United States, which condemned it as "irresponsible."

 

The global outcry highlights the growing concern over Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated amid ongoing conflict.

 

Key Points:

 

Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for the occupation of Gaza and reduction of its population through "voluntary emigration."

Smotrich’s remarks have been widely condemned as advocating for ethnic cleansing.

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of committing "crimes against humanity" in Gaza.

The European Union has condemned Israel's actions, with officials using the term "ethnic cleansing."

The U.S. and international community have rejected far-right Israeli plans to forcibly relocate Gaza's population.
Tagged:

Israel

Palestine

Gaza

HumanRights

EthnicCleansing
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