Former Israeli war minister: What we are doing in northern Gaza is "genocide"
Former Israel's war minister, Moshe Yaalon, has charged the country's administration of "genocide" in northern Gaza Declaring that Israel is being headed toward "destruction," Yaalon attacked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policy in Gaza and the West Bank in an interview with Israel's Democratic Channel. Serving Israel's defense minister from 2013 to 2016, Yaalon voiced worries about the path the Israeli government was taking in Palestinian territory.
Yaalon pointed especially at the continuous military operations in northern Gaza, calling them a type of genocide. Referring to the uprooting of Palestinian families and the spread of Jewish colonies in the area, he remarked, "We are being dragged into invasion, occupation, and genocide." His remarks capture mounting discomfort about the scope of Israel's military operations in the West Bank and Gaza.
The comments of the former war minister came amid Israel's extensive military operations in northern Gaza, which have escalated since October 5, 2023. Ground attacks by Israel's army have been carried out; many Palestinians feel these acts are meant to be taken over the area and force evacuation of its population. Yaalon also cited the devastation of cities like Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoon, saying that as the Israeli force advances whole populations are being deleted.
The interview veers dramatically when the host asked Yaalon's comment, "Did I hear you correctly? Is genocide occurring in northern Gaza? Yaalon said, "Beit Lahia no more exists, Beit Hanoon no more exists, and now they are working on Jabalia," stressing the devastation of important Palestinian villages. With many Palestinians losing their houses, his comments highlight the continuous destruction in the area.
Israel's military operations in Gaza have claimed notable losses since the start of combat on October 7, 2023. With most of the deaths among women and children, more over 44,300 Palestinians have perished. Furthermore, about 105,000 Palestinians have suffered injuries, aggravating the local humanitarian situation. The extent of the pain and devastation still arouses global attention and criticism.
