Jerusalem: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reiterated his call for a complete occupation of the Gaza Strip, cessation of humanitarian aid, and encouragement of Palestinian migration from the enclave. This statement was made on Thursday amidst ongoing efforts to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir expressed his views on Israel’s Army Radio, stating that pursuing an agreement would be a mistake. He emphasized the need for a full victory, advocating for the occupation of Gaza, stopping humanitarian aid, and encouraging Palestinian migration, rather than partial agreements. Despite 22 months of conflict resulting in widespread devastation in Gaza, Israel has not achieved its goals of recovering hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities.
Israel estimates that around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 10,400 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails under conditions that rights groups claim include torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Ben-Gvir, speaking to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, rejected the proposed hostage deal and ceasefire, labeling it as reckless. He urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to oppose the emerging agreement, viewing it as a historic opportunity for victory in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, leaders of the Israeli far-right, have consistently opposed ceasefires and advocated for reoccupying Gaza, rebuilding settlements, and displacing Palestinians. On Wednesday, Hamas announced it was reviewing proposals from mediators for a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and humanitarian relief. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar indicated positive signs of an agreement. Hamas has expressed readiness to release Israeli hostages in exchange for an end to Israel’s military campaign and a full withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted a comprehensive deal, favoring limited arrangements to continue the conflict, a stance seen as an effort to maintain his political position. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump claimed that Israel had accepted conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its military actions, resulting in over 57,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.