Far-Right Israeli Official Pushes for Gradual Gaza Annexation Amid Rising Tensions
Controversial Plan to Incrementally Seize Gaza Provokes Strong Backlash
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, has proposed a phased annexation of the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to disarm. His strategy envisions Israel taking control of segments of Gaza weekly over approximately one month, escalating demands for forced relocations adn full territorial domination of the coastal region.
During a recent press conference, Smotrich detailed that Palestinians would first be ordered to move southward within Gaza. Later, Israel would enforce blockades on northern and central zones before finalizing the annexation process. He estimated this operation could wrap up in three to four months as part of an effort “to secure victory in Gaza by year-end.”
Intensifying Military Operations Exacerbate Humanitarian Catastrophe
The Israeli Defense Forces have advanced deeper into densely inhabited areas of Gaza City aiming to seize critical urban districts and displace nearly one million people. This surge in military activity has sparked widespread international condemnation due to its catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
The United Nations Secretary-General described the siege as unleashing “unprecedented death and destruction,” emphasizing that starvation is no longer a looming threat but an ongoing disaster affecting millions. Essential supplies such as food, potable water, and medical aid remain blocked from entering the territory.
“Families are being shattered by forced displacement; pregnant women face grave dangers while vital life-support infrastructure is systematically dismantled,” stressed UN officials during recent briefings.
Starvation Used as a Weapon Against Civilians
This blockade tactic aligns wiht longstanding demands from Israel and its Western allies requiring Hamas’s total disarmament before any political role in governing Gaza can be considered. However, Hamas vehemently condemned Smotrich’s proposal as tantamount to an official declaration aimed at annihilating Palestinians through siege warfare.
The group denounced these statements not merely as extremist rhetoric but reflective of policies enforced throughout nearly two years marked by mass displacement and civilian suffering. They characterized current events not simply as military operations but systematic attempts amounting to genocide against Palestinian populations.
Internal Political Dynamics Shape policy Decisions
Smotrich urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to instantly implement his annexation plan entirely; though, Netanyahu has avoided directly responding publicly. Still, he previously hinted at intentions for comprehensive reoccupation across all parts of Gaza via ground troop deployments.
The Israeli government continues issuing evacuation orders targeting Palestinians living within designated combat zones in northern areas-pressuring them toward southern regions under increasingly harsh conditions amid ongoing hostilities.
The Role of Settler Influence on Government Strategy
A vocal proponent for expanding unauthorized settlements beyond internationally recognized borders-including those evacuated during 2005-Smotrich himself resides inside an illegal West Bank settlement. Alongside other far-right coalition members supporting Netanyahu’s management, he opposes ceasefire talks or peace agreements that might end fighting in Gaza; some have even threatened governmental collapse should such negotiations proceed.
an Escalating Global demand for Justice and Responsibility
This deepening crisis highlights urgent calls from international observers demanding accountability from Israeli leaders responsible for policies causing extensive civilian harm throughout Gaza.The situation remains highly volatile with millions trapped amid intensifying violence compounded by severe shortages threatening daily survival across the enclave.
