Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for full occupation of Gaza, end to humanitarian aid, and Palestinian migration as ceasefire talks continue.
Ben-Gvir Doubles Down on Gaza Occupation
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has once again called for the total military occupation of Gaza, an end to humanitarian aid, and the forced migration of Palestinians from the enclave. His remarks came as international mediators push for a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.
“There is a desire to reach an agreement, and this is a terrible mistake,” Ben-Gvir said in an interview with Israel Military Radio. “We must not stop for a moment. We must achieve total victory, occupy all of Gaza, halt aid, and encourage migration—not settle for partial agreements.”
Hostage Crisis and War Stalemate
Despite 22 months of devastating conflict, Israel has not met its key objectives. More than 57,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed since October 2023, according to international estimates. Widespread destruction in Gaza has done little to dismantle Hamas’ core military capabilities.
Israel believes around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 thought to still be alive. Meanwhile, over 10,400 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails, with rights groups alleging torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Several detainees have reportedly died in custody.
Opposition to Ceasefire Talks
Ben-Gvir’s hardline position contrasts with recent efforts to broker a temporary ceasefire and hostage release. He described the proposed deal as “reckless” in a separate interview with Israeli public broadcaster KAN.
Calling for Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing the agreement, Ben-Gvir argued:
“There is a historic opportunity to achieve real victory in Gaza—the collapse of Hamas and the encouragement of Palestinian emigration.”
Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, leaders of Israel’s far-right bloc, have consistently pushed for the reoccupation of Gaza, the rebuilding of Israeli settlements, and the displacement of Palestinians—a position that has alarmed international observers.
Hamas Response and International Mediation
On the other side, Hamas has shown willingness to consider proposals from mediators that include:
- A comprehensive ceasefire
- Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Increased humanitarian aid
The group has stated its readiness to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a full end to hostilities. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted such comprehensive terms, preferring limited agreements that would allow the war to continue—a strategy seen by many as a way to prolong his political survival.
Global Pressure for Peace
Amid growing international outrage, even former US President Donald Trump has weighed in, stating that Israel had agreed to the “necessary conditions” for a proposed 60-day ceasefire. However, there is still no clear path forward.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been widely condemned. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for both Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Simultaneously, Israel faces a genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in Gaza.
A Divided Future
As ceasefire talks inch forward, Israel’s far-right leadership continues to fuel conflict rhetoric. With Ben-Gvir’s repeated calls for full occupation, forced displacement, and opposition to negotiations, the chances of a swift peaceful resolution remain fragile.
The world watches closely as both diplomatic pressure and military aggression shape the future of Gaza, Israel, and the wider Middle East.
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