Six Palestinians Killed in Israeli Drone Strikes in Gaza
Recent reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent indicate that six Palestinians lost their lives in the city of Deir al-Balah, located in the central Gaza Strip, following an Israeli drone strike that targeted a gathering of citizens. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in the region, as another drone attack in the Abu Iskandar area of the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood resulted in one civilian death and approximately 20 injuries, with victims being transported to Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
Israeli Minister's Controversial Statements on Palestinian Territories
In a related context, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made headlines with his remarks during a party meeting, asserting that both Gaza and the West Bank will be permanently taken from the Palestinians. He expressed optimism about the return of Donald Trump to the White House, viewing it as an opportune moment to assert Israeli sovereignty over the occupied territories. Smotrich's comments reflect a broader consensus within the Israeli government against the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he claims would threaten Israel's existence.
Smotrich also indicated that significant legal powers in the West Bank had been ceded to settler officials, a move described by legal experts as a form of de facto annexation. This year has seen unprecedented levels of land appropriation, with over 2,300 hectares in the West Bank declared as state land, a tactic used to control Palestinian territories and expel local populations. The Israeli NGO Peace Now condemned Smotrich's statements, warning that such actions could lead to further conflict and instability in the region.
