Ben Gvir publicly calls for killing "between 30 and 40 people every night" in Gaza

Netanyahu Rebuffs Trump's Gaza Ceasefire Plan Amid Rising Calls for Ethnic Cleansing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has publicly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza ceasefire plan, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to reports from multiple media outlets, Netanyahu’s refusal comes amid growing internal pressures within Israel, particularly from hardline political figures who advocate for further military action against Palestinians in the occupied territories. The rejection of Trump’s initiative underscores the deepening divide between Israel and its traditional Western allies, with some analysts suggesting that the U.S. is increasingly losing influence over Israeli policy decisions. The controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s stance gained renewed attention following recent statements by Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister in Netanyahu’s government. In a widely circulated interview with a former hostage held in Gaza, Ben-Gvir reportedly called for the killing of "between 30 and 40 people each night" in the territory, describing certain Palestinians as "not worthy of living." These remarks, which surfaced on August 17, 2026, have sparked outrage among human rights organizations and international legal bodies, with many citing them as evidence of potential genocidal intent. While Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, the comments have intensified scrutiny of the country’s policies toward the Palestinian population. Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure in the ultra-nationalist movement, holds significant power within Israel’s security apparatus. He oversees the prison system, where thousands of Palestinians from both the West Bank and Gaza are detained, and he exercises authority over national police operations. His influence has grown substantially since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, during which militants killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took nearly 250 hostages. Many of the captives later described prolonged periods of starvation, physical and psychological abuse, and in some cases, sexual assault. These experiences have bolstered Ben-Gvir’s popularity among Israeli citizens, especially among supporters of the ruling coalition. Despite his lack of direct command over military operations, Ben-Gvir wields considerable sway over Israel’s security strategy. He has previously advocated for reducing food rations for Palestinian prisoners, a practice that led to a Supreme Court ruling in 2025 condemning the state-run detention facilities under his supervision. The court found that the conditions violated basic standards of humane treatment. Such policies reflect broader patterns of systemic mistreatment of Palestinians, often justified by Israeli officials as necessary measures for national security. The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly since the implementation of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump in late 2025. According to data from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 1,250 civilians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the deal took effect. While Israeli authorities claim their attacks target Hamas operatives, critics argue that the campaign disproportionately affects non-combatants. Recent reports indicate that the Israeli Defense Forces have scaled back their operations in response to diplomatic pressure, particularly after Netanyahu’s rejection of Trump’s proposal. However, this shift has caused frustration among hardliners like Ben-Gvir, who believe the military should maintain a higher level of aggression. Amid these developments, calls for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza have resurfaced. Ben-Gvir has suggested that large-scale emigration of Gazans could be pursued, alongside the resettlement of Israeli settlers in the area. Such proposals have drawn condemnation from international legal experts, who warn that they could constitute acts of ethnic cleansing. Ben-Gvir himself has stated that "all of Gaza belongs to us," advocating for the establishment of settlements throughout the territory and the elimination of perceived threats through targeted killings. These statements come as the Israeli government faces mounting domestic and international criticism over its handling of the conflict. The International Court of Justice ruled in July 2024 that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza violates international law, urging an immediate end to the occupation. Despite this, Israeli lawmakers have passed resolutions opposing the creation of an independent Palestinian state, reflecting a persistent resistance to meaningful peace efforts. Meanwhile, Western nations continue to offer rhetorical support for the two-state solution while failing to take decisive action against Israeli violations of international law.