Germany, France and UN rebuke Israeli minister Ben-Gvir over Gaza remarks

Germany, France and the United Nations on Thursday condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in which he said 30 to 40 people should be killed each night in Gaza, a German government spokesperson said the comments were "inhuman" and incompatible with international humanitarian law. The French Foreign Ministry said any call for violence against civilians was unacceptable, and the UN Human Rights Office described the statement as a clear violation of international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government rejected the minister's remarks, distancing the cabinet from the comments. Ben-Gvir, however, insisted he stood by his statement, according to Israeli media. The dispute comes as Israel continues military operations in Gaza and indirect ceasefire negotiations remain underway. The German government said it was monitoring the situation closely and would continue to engage with Israeli counterparts on the matter. No further details were immediately available on whether any additional diplomatic steps would follow.