Palestine condemns Israeli ministers over Gaza settlement calls
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – The State of Palestine has strongly condemned recent calls by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich encouraging Israeli settlers to establish settlements in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian officials described the move as a dangerous escalation that undermines international law and prospects for peace.
In a statement issued by Palestinian Ambassador Tamer Almassri, the Palestinian government accused the two ministers of inciting thousands of Israeli settlers and extremists to gather along the Gaza border. The statement said they were advocating for the return of Israeli settlements in Gaza.
Ambassador Almassri said the calls reflected what he described as Israel’s continued disregard for international law. He argued that the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable had emboldened such actions.
The statement further alleged that Israeli forces currently control more than 60 percent of the Gaza Strip. It accused them of continuing military operations despite a ceasefire.
According to Palestinian authorities, ongoing attacks since the ceasefire have resulted in more than 1,100 Palestinian deaths. The overall death toll since the conflict escalated in 2023 has surpassed 73,000.
The Palestinian government also claimed that continued military operations, restrictions on humanitarian aid, civilian casualties and the deterioration of essential services have worsened the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Ambassador Almassri urged the United Nations, international human rights organisations and the wider international community to move beyond diplomatic statements. He called for the enforcement of international law, the imposition of sanctions, and legal accountability to end the conflict and prevent further loss of life.
Israel has consistently rejected allegations that it is committing genocide in Gaza. It maintains that its military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas following the October 2023 attacks.
The conflict continues to draw widespread international concern over the humanitarian crisis and the prospects for a lasting peace.
