Hamas Reacts: Smotrich’s Statements Are a Declaration of Genocide
In a press release published on Hamas’ official website, Hamas spokesman Rishk responded strongly to the statements of Israeli Government Member Bezalel Smotrich. Rishk said, “We usually hear that the criminal covers up his crime, but this time we are faced with an impudent enemy who openly states his heinous crime.”
Rishk described Smotrich’s statements that “it is ‘just and moral’ to starve 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip” as a scandalous statement that once again reveals the true intentions of the occupiers. He emphasized that these words clearly mean the adoption of the genocidal policy implemented in the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas official called on the international community to “issue an arrest warrant at the International Criminal Court for this terrorist who instigates and supports genocide.”
Discussions on the Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid
Smotrich, “Israel Hayom”At a conference organized by the broadcasting organization on August 5, he implied that preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the region at the cost of approximately 2 million civilians dying of starvation in the Gaza Strip was “justified and morale.” These statements were evaluated as an approach that ignored the difficulties that the people of Gaza have been experiencing for months due to hunger and famine.
Smotrich had said, “We cannot manage a war in the current global reality. “We will not allow anyone to starve 2 million civilians to death, even if it is justified and morale, until our hostages are returned.” These words drew the reaction of the international community and also fueled discussions about the obstruction of humanitarian aid.
Believing that Israel’s attacks on Gaza should continue and international aid should be blocked, Smotrich stated that they need international legitimacy to continue this situation. The far-right Minister argued that the entire Gaza Strip should be taken under control and stated that efforts should be made to achieve this goal.