Metaphor Or Menace? Israeli Leader Denounced By PM Netanyahu For 'Possibility Of Dropping Nuclear Bomb On Gaza' Comment Amidst Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denounced statements made by his far-right minister, Amihai Eliyahu, regarding the possibility of dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

In an interview with Radio Kol Berama, Eliyahu suggested that using an atomic bomb on Gaza was "one of the possibilities" in the war against Hamas.

Netanyahu swiftly suspended minister Eliyahu, emphasising that the statements were "not based on reality" and asserting that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) operate in accordance with the highest standards of international law to avoid harming civilians.

Netanyahu stated, "We will continue to do so until our victory".

In response to the suspension, Eliyahu clarified his remarks, stating, "it is clear to all sensible people that the statement about the atom is metaphorical".

He called for a strong and disproportionate response to terrorism, intending to dissuade terrorists and their supporters. Eliyahu also affirmed Israel's commitment to ensuring the safe return of hostages.

The conflict, triggered by the brutal 7 October attacks in which 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed by Hamas, has escalated into a full-scale war. Gaza, devastated by air strikes and ground assaults, faces the brunt of IDF's operations.

The health ministry in Gaza reports nearly 9,500 casualties, with Gaza City experiencing a recent strike on an ambulance convoy near Al-Shifa Hospital.

As the Israel-Gaza conflict enters its 28th day, tensions remain high, with both sides grappling with the devastating consequences of the prolonged hostilities.