Germany, France and the United Nations have condemned remarks by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for the killing of dozens of people in Gaza each night.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the remarks as inhumane and contrary to international law, while a German government spokesperson called them unacceptable. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also condemned the comments as intolerable and inhumane.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesperson, described Ben-Gvir’s remarks as shocking, outrageous, inhumane and dangerous.
Ben-Gvir made the comments during a podcast with a former Hamas hostage, calling for what he described as nightly targeted killings in Gaza. He said Israel should kill 30 or 40 people each night and argued that those targeted should not necessarily be limited to people considered an immediate threat.
The comments have drawn renewed international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where the war that began after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has caused a vast humanitarian crisis and a large number of civilian deaths.
The remarks come as several European governments have increased pressure on Israeli officials over the Gaza war and Israeli settlement policy in the occupied West Bank. France has barred Ben-Gvir from entering its territory, while a number of European countries have called for sanctions against him. Efforts to impose EU-wide sanctions have faced political obstacles because such measures require agreement among all 27 member states.
Germany also criticised Israeli plans to advance settlement construction in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, warning that the move could further undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
France has likewise raised the possibility of additional sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The United Nations and European governments have repeatedly warned that settlement expansion threatens the territorial continuity needed for a viable Palestinian state.
The latest diplomatic criticism comes as international efforts to end the Gaza conflict remain under pressure, with humanitarian organisations warning of severe shortages of food, medical supplies and shelter. The war has also intensified international debate over Israel’s military conduct, civilian protection and compliance with international humanitarian law.
