THE recent remarks made by Israel’s far-right Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister, Amichai Eliyahu, have raised grave concerns about the humanitarian implications of his statement. In a shocking display of disregard for human life, Eliyahu suggested in a radio interview on Sunday that the option of using a nuclear weapon on the Gaza Strip is on the table, claiming that there were no non-combatants in Gaza.
Eliyahu’s brazen endorsement of such extreme measures has rightly drawn sharp rebuke from the Muslim countries, emphasizing the gravity of his words. The provocative and odious remarks are extensions of the Israeli government’s escalation politics in the occupied Palestinian territories. Such rhetoric not only violates the principles of international humanitarian law but also demonstrates a dangerous willingness to consider actions that could have catastrophic consequences for the region and its inhabitants. The use of nuclear weapons, under any circumstances, constitutes a blatant violation of international norms and poses a severe threat to global peace and stability. This has also proven that Israel possesses undeclared nuclear weapons. The question here also arises whether the US will continue to lend support to Israel for possessing nukes. In the case of Iran, only on suspicion, the US slapped sanctions on the Muslim country. Anyway at this point in time when the situation is very dire in Gaza, the statement of Israeli minister also indicates that it is losing the war in the Palestinian territory, otherwise such a statement had not emanated from Israel. It is imperative for world leaders to emphasize the importance of upholding international law and promoting peaceful dialogue in resolving the long-standing conflict in the region. The international community, including influential global powers, must unequivocally denounce any rhetoric that undermines the protection of civilian lives and efforts towards sustainable peace. For the reckless threat, Israel should be held accountable, as this further confirms the extremism and brutality of the Zionist occupation against the Palestinian people.
