Israeli Minister's Radical Proposal: Starving Gaza for Hostages' Return

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made waves this week with a shocking proposal: to cut off aid to Gaza's 2 million residents until Israeli hostages are returned. Smotrich, a prominent figure in Israel's far-right political scene, argued that Israel should take control of distributing aid within Gaza and accused Hamas of controlling distribution channels. While Smotrich acknowledged that the global community would not allow such a move, he maintained that it would be a just and moral response to Hamas' actions. Critics argue that Israel's current policies are already contributing to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with aid groups and international organizations accusing Israel of conducting a 'targeted starvation campaign' against the strip's residents. The International Criminal Court's prosecutor is even seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of 'starvation as a weapon of war. ' Smotrich's comments come as Israel faces mounting criticism for its handling of the conflict with Hamas, which began after the group attacked Israel in October and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people on both sides. Smotrich's proposal may be a radical one, but it highlights the deep divisions and tensions that continue to define the Israeli Israeli-Palestinian conflict.