Germany, France Condemn 'Inhumane' Gaza Remarks by Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir

Germany and France on Wednesday strongly condemned remarks made by Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who advocated for nightly killings in Gaza. Ben-Gvir suggested that Israel should kill "30 or 40" people every night in the Palestinian territory, calling it a compliment to refer to them as humans.

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strongly condemns the inhumane appeals made by Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir, which violate international law. They are unacceptable.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz "strongly condemns the inhumane appeals made by Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir, which violate international law," stated German government spokesman Sebastian Hille. He added, "They are unacceptable." French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed this sentiment, calling the remarks "intolerable and inhumane" in an interview.

Ben-Gvir made the controversial call during a podcast with a former Gaza hostage. He stated, "I think targeted eliminations should be carried out in Gaza every night. Take out 30 or 40." He further elaborated, "Not only those who endanger you right now. These are people who shouldn't be alive."

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intolerable and inhumane

These comments come as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Ben-Gvir is already facing calls for bloc-wide sanctions from several European countries. German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil indicated that Ben-Gvir's comments "must have consequences," and sanctions were being discussed at the European level. However, a proposal for EU-wide sanctions has not achieved the necessary unanimity among member states.

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I think targeted eliminations should be carried out in Gaza every night. Take out 30 or 40. Not only those who endanger you right now. These are people who shouldn't be alive. I'm paying them a compliment by calling them humans.

In addition to condemning Ben-Gvir's remarks, Germany also criticized Israel's plans for settlement expansion in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. Hille stated, "Our message is clear: there must be no further steps toward annexation in the West Bank." France's Barrot did not rule out further sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, who have been increasingly harassing Palestinian residents. "We imposed European sanctions against these settlers for the third time on May 28," he said. "Further sanctions could be imposed and all options are on the table."

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must have consequences