Israeli minister's nuclear threat a ‘wake-up call’

FO says appalled by statement threatening to use nuclear force against Palestinians

ISLAMABAD:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a condemnation in response to a concerning statement made by an Israeli minister, who had alluded to the possibility of employing nuclear force against Palestinians, a statement that has drawn criticism from the international community.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the Foreign Office spokesperson voiced unequivocal disapproval of the Israeli minister's remarks.

“We are appalled by statement of an Israeli minister threatening [to use] nuclear force against Palestinians. [It] reflects an intention for ethnic cleansing & genocide. This is a wake-up call for the int’l community to the threat posed by Israeli aggression to regional peace, security & stability,” Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said.

The ministry described these statements as alarming and reflective of a troubling intent that extended to the ominous spectres of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Pakistan has called upon the international community to recognise the broader implications of such rhetoric, as it carries the potential to disrupt regional peace, security, and stability.

The FO contended that this incident should serve as a clarion call to the world, underscoring the imminent threat posed by Israeli aggression in the region.

Israel’s Heritage Minister Amihay Eliyahu, a member of a far-right party in the coalition government, was suspended from cabinet meetings "until further notice" following his remark about the possibility of Israel carrying out a nuclear strike on Gaza.

Eliyahu's comment, made during a radio interview, drew swift condemnation from the Arab world and was considered objectionable by a US official.

In response to the controversy, Netanyahu's office emphasised that Israel and the IDF (military) were operating in accordance with international law to avoid harming civilians.

The prime minister also distanced the government from Eliyahu's statement, making it clear that the minister's comment did not represent the official stance.

The League of Arab States criticised Eliyahu's remarks, expressing concerns about Israel's alleged nuclear capabilities and its view of the Palestinian people.

The crisis surrounding these comments has prompted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to make a visit to the Middle East over the weekend to address the ongoing conflict.

Eliyahu later clarified in a social media post that his nuclear remark was metaphorical, but he stressed the need for a strong response to terrorism. This statement elicited both support and criticism.

Hamas responded by characterising Eliyahu's comments as "Israeli terrorism" that poses a danger to the region and the world. The interview also highlighted the plight of hostages in Gaza, with Eliyahu acknowledging the potential risks of military actions.

Benny Gantz, a centrist ex-general who joined the government's streamlined war cabinet, expressed concerns about the impact of Eliyahu's remarks on the families of hostages.