by 
International Desk,May 6, 2025: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has warned that Gaza will be “completely destroyed” as part of Israel’s strategy, with its residents forced to flee to third countries. According to a report by the French news agency AFP, Smotrich made these remarks on Tuesday during a press conference in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Smotrich stated, “Gaza will be completely destroyed. Civilians will be sent to a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, free of Hamas or terrorism, from where they will begin leaving in large numbers to third countries.” He expressed hope that Gaza would be formally annexed to Israel during the current government’s term, potentially by the end of next year.
The minister described the annexation of the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, as one of the “most important challenges” for Israeli leaders. Despite global concerns over the future of Palestinian territories, influential Israeli officials have recently intensified calls for annexing the West Bank.
In addition to occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank is home to approximately 3 million Palestinians. Around 490,000 Israelis live in settlements deemed illegal under international law
AI/MR
