The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Sunday that the call by the Israeli Heritage Minister, Amichai Eliyahu, to bomb the Gaza Strip with a nuclear bomb is “evidence of extremism and deviation among certain decision-makers in the Israeli government.”
The ministry spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid, made the statement on the X platform in response to Eliyahu’s endorsement during a press interview, advocating the bombing of Gaza with a “nuclear bomb.”
Abu Zeid said, “The demand of an Israeli minister to drop a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip is evidence of the extent of deviation and extremism that has affected certain decision-makers in the Israeli government.”
“The international community needs to decisively confront the rhetoric of violence, hatred, and racism.” He added.
He pointed out that “the world is talking about nuclear disarmament and its risks, and yet some are thirsting for more destruction and killing,” in reference to Eliyahu’s call.
Eliyahu’s statements provoked anger from the Israeli opposition and families of Israeli prisoners within the Hamas movement, with escalating calls for his immediate dismissal. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu limited his action to suspending Eliyahu’s participation in government meetings without immediate dismissal.
Eliyahu belongs to the “Jewish Power” party, a far-right party led by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir. The party supports the construction of settlements, reasserting control over the sector, and espouses extreme ideologies.
The Israeli army has been conducting a devastating war on Gaza for the past 30 days, resulting in the death of 9,770 Palestinians, including 4,800 children and 2,550 women. Over 24,000 Palestinians have been injured. Additionally, 153 Palestinians have been killed, and about 2,080 have been detained in the West Bank, according to official Palestinian sources.