Jerusalem: Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu has stirred controversy with his recent statements, suggesting that one of Israel's options in the ongoing conflict with Hamas could be the use of a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip. Speaking during a radio interview, Eliyahu, a member of the Otzma Yehudit party, made these comments that have ignited strong reactions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned Eliyahu's remarks, stating that they are "not based in reality." Netanyahu emphasized that Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are committed to operating within the highest standards of international law to minimize harm to innocent civilians. He reiterated their determination to continue these efforts until they achieve victory.
Opposition leader and former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid also criticized Eliyahu, calling for the removal of the "irresponsible minister." In addition to the nuclear bomb suggestion, Eliyahu referred to Gaza residents in a controversial manner, likening them to "Nazis." He further opposed the passage of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, stating that he believes there are no unassociated civilians in the region and that everyone is somehow connected with Hamas.
Eliyahu, who holds far-right political views, expressed support for retaking the Gaza Strip and restoring Israeli settlements there. When questioned about the fate of Palestinians should Gaza come under Israeli control, Eliyahu suggested that the "monsters in Gaza" could seek refuge in other places like "Ireland or deserts," implying that they should find their own solutions.
The Gaza Strip has been under Hamas rule since 2007, following the group's victory in parliamentary elections. The region has long been a focal point of conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis, resulting in frequent hostilities. Eliyahu's provocative statements come amid a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip due to continuous Israeli airstrikes in response to Hamas's attack on October 7. International leaders have called for a ceasefire in Gaza, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these appeals, asserting that it would equate to surrendering to Hamas.
The ongoing conflict has seen casualties on both sides, with approximately 1,400 Israelis killed and over 200 taken hostage by Hamas following their October 7 attack. In contrast, Hamas claims that more than 9,400 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing war.
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