Israeli Minister Advocates Prolonged Destruction of Gaza
Eli Cohen, has drawn sharp criticism after declaring that the Gaza Strip should remain in a state of devastation for decades, with no plans for reconstruction
Palestina, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Israeli Minister of Energy, Eli Cohen, has drawn sharp criticism after declaring that the Gaza Strip should remain in a state of devastation for decades, with no plans for reconstruction.
Speaking during an interview with Israel’s Channel 14 television, Cohen stated unequivocally that Israel has no intention of contributing to the rebuilding of Gaza’s severely damaged infrastructure.
“Gaza should remain in ruins for decades without reconstruction,” he said, reflecting a deeply punitive stance that many observers see as exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave.
Ceasefire Negotiations Proceed Despite Political Tensions
President of the United States, Donald Trump, previously announced that Israel had accepted the core conditions of a 60-day ceasefire proposal in Gaza. The proposal was brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators and subsequently presented to the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas.
In response, Hamas expressed a positive position and conveyed its readiness to engage in detailed negotiations to implement the ceasefire and facilitate an exchange of hostages.
Although Israeli officials initially claimed that amendments suggested by Hamas were unacceptable, a delegation from Israel nevertheless traveled to Doha, Qatar, to continue discussions.
The current negotiations in the Qatari capital revolve around establishing a temporary 60-day ceasefire, securing the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages, and exploring the possibility of transitioning toward a permanent ceasefire agreement.
The contrast between Minister Cohen’s inflammatory rhetoric and the ongoing diplomatic process reveals deep divisions within Israeli leadership concerning the path forward in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (PW)
Source: IRNA