RAMALLAH, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned on Tuesday against a gradual annexation of the Gaza Strip by Israel as a prelude to the displacement of its population.
"We warn of the dangers of the occupation's plans for the gradual annexation of the Gaza Strip," the ministry said in a press statement, considering it "a conspiracy to forcibly displace the population of the Strip and undermine the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state on the ground."
It affirmed the ministry's continued efforts to stop the "crimes of genocide, displacement, and annexation" against the Palestinians, calling on the international community to take necessary measures to halt the Israeli actions immediately.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that Israel is "closer than ever" to reoccupying the Gaza Strip and settling there, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
Meanwhile, Haaretz reported Monday night that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present a plan to the Israeli security cabinet for annexing parts of Gaza.
According to the report, Netanyahu told ministers that Israel has given Hamas a few days to agree to a ceasefire, or Israel will begin to gradually annex parts of the Strip in stages until Hamas surrenders.
Israel has been waging a massive war in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, which has killed more than 60,000 people, injured more than 145,000, and caused significant destruction to buildings and infrastructure.
The war followed a surprise attack launched by Hamas on southern Israel, which, according to Israeli authorities, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. ■
