Israeli minister advocates killing 30-40 Gazans nightly

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly advocated for the nightly killing of "30 to 40" people in Gaza during a podcast discussion with a former hostage. The comments, which surfaced Sunday, were quickly amplified by Palestinian media. Ben-Gvir criticized Israel's recent reduction in strikes, stating, "I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night." He further asserted, "There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people."

These remarks have drawn significant criticism, with past statements by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials being presented to the UN's world court as evidence of genocidal intent, a charge Israel denies. While Ben-Gvir does not command the military, his influence has grown significantly since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack. He now holds substantial control over Israel's prisons and the national police force.

Ben-Gvir's comments come amid a backdrop of reduced Israeli strikes in Gaza. Israel had been conducting near-daily attacks, which Gaza's Health Ministry reports have killed over 1,250 people since a truce began in October. Reports suggest Israel eased attacks partly in response to US President Donald Trump's efforts to advance a truce. The authority for carrying out strikes has reportedly been limited to the army's chief of staff, a move that has angered right-wing lawmakers like Ben-Gvir.

In the same podcast appearance, Ben-Gvir also promoted the idea of mass emigration or expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. His growing prominence reflects the surge of once-fringe ideologies within Israel, particularly in the leadup to the Israeli elections on Oct. 27. His views have gained traction among Israelis following the Hamas attack, during which fighters killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

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I disagree with the prime minister. I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night. Not just those who pose an immediate threat, there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people.