Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the targeted killing of 30 to 40 Palestinians each night in Gaza, including those who pose no immediate threat, while advocating for the full occupation of the territory and the expulsion of its population.
Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski, Ben-Gvir stated that some people in Gaza "do not deserve to live" and "are not people". He also criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to scale back military operations and called for the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in the enclave. The remarks come as Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party has pushed legislation to allow the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks against Israelis.
The comments have drawn condemnation, with the head of the Jewish community in Austria's Salzburg, Styria and Carinthia states calling Ben-Gvir a "disgrace", and Iran's deputy foreign minister denouncing the statements. Hamas-run authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.