Israeli finance minister says 'Gaza will be entirely destroyed'

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said that “Gaza will be entirely destroyed” by Israel, The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday.

Speaking at a conference at an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, Smotrich vowed the occupied Gaza Strip would be destroyed within a few months, and the Palestinian population would “leave in great numbers to third countries”, raising fears of ethnic cleansing in the occupied territory.

He said, “They will be totally despairing, understanding that there is no hope and nothing to look for in Gaza, and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.”

He also said that Israel would “apply sovereignty” in the West Bank during the government’s current term.

Smotrich’s comments followed the day after Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to intensify its campaign in Gaza and expand its control of the territory.