Nournews: The remarks by Benny Gantz, Israel’s Defense Minister, regarding the destruction of Gaza—including Rafah and Beit Hanoun—go beyond mere rhetoric. They reflect a systematic policy of pressure and intimidation against civilians. The Fourth Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law explicitly prohibit deliberate attacks on civilian populations. Threatening to “open the gates of hell” to impose Israel’s conditions is not only a violation of international law but also a clear genocidal message, contradicting the moral principles of humanity.
Maximum Pressure on Civilians
Israel’s declared strategy is based on maximum pressure to secure the release of captives and to disarm Gaza. Yet the true targets of this pressure are innocent civilians. Women, children, and the elderly will suffer the most. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly warned about the humanitarian consequences of such policies and called for preventive action.
The destruction of urban infrastructure and the prolonged blockade intensify the humanitarian crisis. Shortages of water, electricity, medicine, and food place the lives of millions at severe risk. Human rights experts emphasize that threatening to destroy cities for political leverage amounts to “state terrorism,” with long-term psychological, social, and economic consequences for future generations of Palestinians.
The Need for Global and Diplomatic Response
The silence of the international community in the face of such threats is a green light for the continuation of genocide. The United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and human rights bodies must compel Israel to stop its illegal actions through diplomatic pressure, legal prosecution, and targeted sanctions.
Past international experiences show that verbal condemnations are insufficient; concrete pressure—such as prosecuting military and political officials and imposing limited sanctions—can help prevent the recurrence of atrocities. Likewise, exposing the facts and providing accurate figures on civilian casualties are vital for building global solidarity and amplifying human rights voices.
Humanitarian and Regional Consequences
The threats and attacks on Gaza place not only Palestine but the entire Middle East at risk of instability. Rising waves of refugees, escalating hatred and violence, and the weakening of hopes for peace are only part of the fallout from such policies. Past experiences have shown that violence against civilians does not end crises but instead paves the way for prolonged tension and war.
The global community must recognize that indifference toward these policies amounts to implicit complicity in human rights violations and the continuation of the humanitarian crisis. Media support and public opinion in defense of Palestinian civilians, coupled with legal and political pressure, can serve as a deterrent.
NOURNEWS