Controversial statements by Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocating nightly targeted killings in Gaza have drawn sharp criticism, including condemnation from Jewish leaders in Germany.

Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited international outrage after suggesting nightly targeted killings of Palestinians in Gaza, claiming that some individuals in the region are ‘not even human’ and do not deserve to live. His remarks, made during a podcast interview, have been widely condemned as inflammatory and dehumanizing.

Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, labeled Ben-Gvir’s comments as ‘deeply shameful and irresponsible,’ emphasizing that such rhetoric is diametrically opposed to Jewish values and damages Israel’s global reputation. Schuster also expressed concern over the growing influence of far-right ideologies within Israeli politics, distancing himself from the minister’s views.

The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with calls from other Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for the complete military takeover of Gaza. Smotrich has advocated for the establishment of Israeli settlements and the promotion of Palestinian emigration from the area. These developments have raised alarm among international observers, as efforts to broker peace in the region face significant challenges.