Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Calls for Gaza's Destruction Amid IDF's Killing of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Gaza's complete destruction and relocation of its Palestinian population, drawing international condemnation. His remarks align with Israel's new military plan, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which includes indefinite occupation of Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the killing of Yahya Sinwar, a top Hamas leader involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The plan has faced criticism from international bodies and humanitarian organizations, warning of potential mass displacement and civilian casualties.

Smotrich’s Vision: Total Destruction and Displacement

Speaking at a conference on Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined his vision for what he considers an Israeli victory in Gaza. “Gaza will be entirely destroyed,” he said, adding that civilians would be moved to a “humanitarian zone” in the far south of the territory, south of the former Israeli settlement of Morag. From there, he stated, Palestinians would begin to “leave in great numbers to third countries.”

Smotrich further emphasized that within six months, there would be no Hamas presence in Gaza. He also expressed support for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in the territory, which Israel unilaterally withdrew from in 2005. “Israel does not intend to withdraw from territories the IDF captures, not even as part of a deal to release hostages,” he added.

While Smotrich is a senior member of the Israeli government, his statements do not reflect official policy, according to government sources. However, they align with the recently approved military strategy and have intensified fears of mass displacement and long-term occupation.

Operation Gideon’s Chariots: Military Expansion and Occupation

Smotrich’s remarks came just one day after Israel’s security cabinet approved Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a comprehensive military plan aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages. The plan includes the full conquest of the Gaza Strip and the indefinite holding of the territory by Israeli forces.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation in a video message, stating that it would be “intensive” and involve moving more Palestinians to southern Gaza “for their own safety.” Effie Defrin, Israel’s chief military spokesperson, echoed this, saying the offensive would include “moving most of the population of the Gaza Strip … to protect them.”

The plan also seeks to prevent Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, which Israeli officials claim the group uses to bolster its military capabilities. “We want our troops to fight against a tired, hungry, and exhausted enemy, not one that has supplies and aid coming from outside the strip,” Smotrich said.

International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns

Smotrich’s statements and the broader military strategy have drawn sharp criticism from international actors. A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that the UK does not support an expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm, warning that the plan “will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza.”

Humanitarian organizations have also condemned the proposed displacement of Gaza’s population, calling the scheme unworkable, dangerous, and potentially unlawful. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have already been displaced at least once since the war began in October 2023.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, while not directly addressing the new offensive, stated that his administration would help deliver food to “starving” Palestinians, blaming Hamas for diverting aid for its fighters.

IDF Confirms Killing of Yahya Sinwar

Amid the political and military developments, the IDF confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas leader in Gaza and a key figure behind the October 7 attacks. Sinwar was reportedly killed in a precise Israeli airstrike in July 2024, but Hamas only confirmed his death on January 30, 2025.

The strike targeted a displacement camp in al-Mawasi, where Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, were believed to be hiding. The IDF stated that both were killed in the operation. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 141 civilians were killed and 400 wounded in the same attack.

The elimination of Sinwar represents a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership and is seen as a major achievement for the Israeli military. The IDF has also reported the capture of several Hamas operatives in Rafah, including a platoon commander involved in the October 7 attack and a sniper unit leader.

Ongoing Military Operations in Rafah

Israeli forces continue to expand their operations in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza near the Egyptian border. The IDF has reportedly encircled the city and is conducting raids on Hamas infrastructure, including weapons caches and command centers. The 188th Brigade’s combat team has been instrumental in these efforts, eliminating dozens of militants and uncovering key intelligence.

The Israeli government has stated that the military campaign will continue unless a hostage deal is reached before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Israel on May 13. As of now, Israel controls approximately 50% of Gaza, with plans to expand further south.

References

• Gaza will be entirely destroyed, Israeli minister says
• Gaza ‘to be entirely destroyed’ and people to leave ‘in great numbers’, claims far-right Israeli minister – Middle East crisis live
• Israeli minister says Gaza will be 'entirely destroyed,' Palestinians forced into other countries
• Israeli minister says Gaza will be 'entirely destroyed,' Palestinians forced into other countries
• Rafah offensive - Wikipedia
• Death Of Hamas Leader Sinwar Prompts Calls For Cease-Fire In Gaza War
• Underwear-clad Hamas terrorists surrender to Israeli forces in Rafah
• Israel announces a new ultimatum for Hamas and a shift in how Gaza aid is distributed