The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that the recent statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly endorse genocide against Gaza‘s inhabitants.
The minister’s comments, suggesting that starving and killing two million Gazans would be justified, are “a blatant acknowledgement of adopting a genocide policy,” according to a press release circulated by the Palestinian News Agency.
The ministry described Smotrich’s statement as a “clear violation of international law and fundamental human principles,” directly challenging the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its provisional orders, as well as international consensus on protecting civilians and securing their basic humanitarian needs.
The Palestinian authorities have now called on the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant against Smotrich for his explicit support and endorsement of genocidal policies, urging further international sanctions against such acts targeting Palestinian civilians.
According to Israeli media reports, Smotrich defended his position as “justifiable and moral,” pending the release of all hostages from the October 7 attacks.
Israel’s war on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 39,677 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with over 91,645 others injured. Additionally, more than 10,000 individuals are estimated to be buried under the debris of bombed buildings.
Hospital authorities report that two Israeli airstrikes have recently killed at least eight people in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.
The first strike targeted a house in a refugee camp in the city’s west, killing three people, as confirmed by Nasser Hospital where the bodies were taken. A second strike hit tents for displaced people in the Absa area east of Khan Younis, killing five.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread devastation and a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians affected by the relentless bombings and airstrikes.
