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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Europe prepares sanctions against Ben-Gvir for suggesting dozens of Gazans be killed nightly

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's call to kill dozens of Palestinians nightly in Gaza.
  • The German government stated that such calls are inhumane and violate international law.
  • The EU plans to discuss sanctions against Ben-Gvir, with France and other nations already imposing entry bans.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a strong condemnation of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent remarks advocating for the nightly killing of dozens of Palestinians in Gaza. A spokesperson for the German government described Ben-Gvir's statements as "inhumane" and a violation of international law, deeming them unacceptable.

The Chancellor strongly condemns the inhumane call by Minister Ben-Gvir, which violates international law. They are unacceptable.

— Sebastian HilleA German government spokesperson relayed Chancellor Merz's condemnation of Ben-Gvir's remarks.

This strong rebuke from Germany follows a broader European Union consensus. According to Sebastian Hille, the deputy government spokesperson, EU leaders agreed in June to prepare sanctions against Ben-Gvir. The EU foreign ministers are expected to address the issue further in an upcoming informal meeting, with the EU's High Representative Kaja Kallas set to present proposals.

France has also voiced its strong disapproval. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called Ben-Gvir's comments "inhumane" and highlighted the escalating violence in the West Bank. France has already banned Ben-Gvir from entering the country, a measure echoed by more than ten other nations, including Belgium, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Notably, France also previously banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich due to his promotion of West Bank annexation and calls for Gaza resettlement.

What is happening today in the West Bank is truly shameful and should make us all revolt. That is why we have sanctioned Minister Ben-Gvir, whose recent statements are unbearable and inhumane.

— Jean-Noel BarrotThe French Foreign Minister criticized Ben-Gvir's statements and the situation in the West Bank.

Barrot indicated that France is considering further sanctions against Israel for its recent actions in the West Bank, stating that "all options are on the table." The controversy stems from Ben-Gvir's comments during a podcast on August 16, where he suggested that "targeted killings should be carried out every night in Gaza. Kill 30 or 40 of them."

I think targeted killings should be carried out every night in Gaza. Kill 30 or 40 of them.

— Itamar Ben-GvirBen-Gvir's controversial statement made during a podcast.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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