Extreme right-wing Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made a controversial call for a complete occupation of the Gaza Strip, suggesting that military rule by Israel may be necessary to ensure security and facilitate the swift return of hostages. In a statement posted in Hebrew on the social media platform X late Saturday, Smotrich emphasized that this approach is crucial for safeguarding Israeli citizens.

Smotrich's comments align closely with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position that the current war against Hamas must culminate in the total defeat of the militant group and its expulsion from the Gaza Strip. The Finance Minister stated, This is the path to securing our safety, and this is the path to bringing the hostages home quickly, highlighting a sense of urgency in addressing the ongoing crisis.

Prime Minister Netanyahu reinforced this sentiment in a recorded video address later that day. He declared, We will not end the war of rebirth before we destroy Hamas in Gaza, return all our hostages, and ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. This strong rhetoric underscores the Israeli leadership's commitment to a military strategy aimed at dismantling Hamas's operational capabilities.

According to Israeli sources, the current situation regarding hostages is dire, with 24 individuals confirmed to be alive and 35 bodies of abductees reported to be in the Gaza Strip. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas concerning a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages have reached an impasse, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere.

The roots of the ongoing Gaza war can be traced back to the brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, where Hamas and other extremist factions launched a coordinated assault that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and more than 250 Israelis taken hostage. This tragic event marks one of the most significant escalations in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.

In the aftermath of this attack, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically. According to figures released by the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, approximately 51,000 people have lost their lives since the onset of hostilities. Alarmingly, a substantial portion of these casualties are reported to be women and children. However, it's important to note that this data does not differentiate between combatants and civilians and has not been independently verified, raising concerns about the accuracy of these figures amidst the chaos of war.