Israeli Minister Advocates Killing '30 to 40 People' in Gaza Nightly

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly advocated for the nightly killing of "30 to 40 people" in Gaza, comments that emerged on Sunday and were widely shared by Palestinian media. The remarks were made during a discussion on a podcast with a former Gaza hostage, Rom Braslavski, while Ben-Gvir was criticizing Israel's recent reduction in strikes on the territory.

"I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night," Ben-Gvir stated. "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."

While Ben-Gvir does not have the authority to order military strikes, his influence has grown significantly. He controls key security apparatuses, including the prison service, where he has previously reduced food rations for Palestinian prisoners. Israel denies committing genocide in Gaza, despite past condemnations of similar statements by Israeli officials, some of which have been presented to the UN's world court as evidence of genocidal intent.

These comments surface as far-right ideologies gain traction in Israel, particularly in the lead-up to the Israeli elections scheduled for October 27. Ben-Gvir's popularity has surged since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. The Israeli military reportedly eased its daily strikes on Gaza, a move that has drawn criticism from right-wing lawmakers like Ben-Gvir, who advocate for more aggressive actions.

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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.