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Israel's Smotrich Threatens Gaza Annexation Amid Humanitarian Crisis

8/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed annexing parts of Gaza weekly if Hamas does not disarm, seeking full control in four months.
He issued an ultimatum for Hamas to surrender or face annexation, which Hamas condemned as ethnic cleansing.
Critics caution that Smotrich's statements could lead to scrutiny from the International Criminal Court for potential war crimes.
The International Court of Justice has previously classified Israel's occupation as illegal apartheid amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.

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Story summary

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposed annexing parts of Gaza weekly if Hamas does not disarm, seeking full control in four months.
He issued an ultimatum for Hamas to surrender or face annexation, which Hamas condemned as ethnic cleansing.
Critics caution that Smotrich's statements could lead to scrutiny from the International Criminal Court for potential war crimes.
The International Court of Justice has previously classified Israel's occupation as illegal apartheid amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.