TEL AVIV (The Thursday Times) — In a live radio interview broadcasted today, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu from the extremist Otzma Yehudit Party—or Jewish Power Party—led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, brought up the potential use of nuclear force against the Gaza Strip, suggesting the surviving Palestinian population could relocate to ‘Ireland or desert regions.’ This discussion arose on a private radio station, where Minister Eliyahu was asked about the possibility of utilising nuclear weapons on the enclave.
Eliyahu expressed his belief against allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, arguing that there are no uninvolved civilians in the area, going to the extent of comparing the innocent population to Nazis. When questioned about the aftermath for Palestinian families residing in Gaza post-nuclear strike, he mentioned relocation options like Ireland or desert areas.
His extreme remarks led to a suspension from the governing body by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Hamas highlighted that Eliyahu’s statement mirrors the genocidal mindset of the Netanyahu administration.
Moreover, during a public address broadcasted by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Israeli Minister of Military Affairs Yoav Galant iterated that the military assaults on Palestinian families in Gaza will persist, even if achieving victory necessitates a year. Post-conflict, he anticipates no remaining threats in Gaza capable of menacing Israel from the southern border, envisioning complete operational freedom for actions within the Strip.
This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an Israeli offensive initiated on October 7, following a large-scale assault by Hamas named Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, aimed at responding to the longstanding adversities faced by Palestinians. The offensive’s toll on Palestinian lives has been grim, with 9,488 fatalities reported, predominantly among women, children, and the elderly. Furthermore, over 24,160 Palestinians have been injured, per the Palestinian Health Ministry.
In a dire humanitarian turn, essential supplies including water, food, medicine, electricity, and fuel have been severed by Israeli forces, putting approximately 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza in jeopardy of a drawn-out, agonising demise if international assistance doesn’t materialise promptly.