Tel aviv: Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has made a controversial statement suggesting that the Gaza Strip should remain in a state of devastation without reconstruction for decades. Speaking to Israel's Channel 14 television, Cohen emphasized that Israel has no plans to assist in rebuilding Gaza's destroyed infrastructure. He stated, 'Gaza should remain in ruins for decades without reconstruction,' highlighting the government's stance on the matter.
According to Anadolu Agency, Cohen outlined two primary goals for the Israeli army in Gaza: securing the return of hostages and forcing Hamas into submission. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire in the region.
US President Donald Trump had previously announced that Israel had accepted the conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. This proposal, facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, was presented to Hamas, which expressed readiness to proceed with negotiations. Despite Israel's initial rejection of Hamas' amendments to the Qatari proposal, an Israeli delegation traveled to Doha for further talks.
Negotiations in Doha have centered around a temporary 60-day ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and discussions on a permanent truce. However, a significant point of contention remains Israel's insistence on maintaining occupation around Gaza's perimeter. Even if a ceasefire is reached, Israel plans to continue its presence in Rafah and establish a 'collection camp' with the aim of deporting Palestinians to other countries.
In related developments, violent incidents have continued in the region. On July 11, Israelis reportedly seized Palestinian lands, beat a Palestinian, and fatally shot another in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah. The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported at least 998 Palestinian deaths and more than 7,000 injuries in the occupied West Bank since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Additionally, nearly 58,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice has declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands illegal and demanded evacuation of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.