Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has proposed that Israel should occupy the Gaza Strip and reduce its Palestinian population by half through 'voluntary emigration.' Speaking at a Yesha Council event, Smotrich emphasized the need to conquer Gaza and viewed the recent changes in U.S. administration as an opportunity.

Smotrich, leading the Religious Zionism party, has previously sparked controversy with similar comments, including advocating for the starvation of Gazans to free Israeli hostages.

A Human Rights Watch report accuses Israel of a 'crime against humanity' concerning Gaza, to which Israel responded negatively.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has condemned the actions as aligning with ethnic cleansing.

The U.S. has dismissed earlier 'voluntary transfer' plans proposed by Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 to 2005, imposing a blockade after its withdrawal.

Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes returning Jewish settlers to Gaza, despite backing from hard-right coalition members.

The ongoing conflict commenced with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 last year, causing 1,207 Israeli deaths.

Israel's counteractions have reportedly killed 44,249 people in Gaza, according to Hamas-controlled health ministry data.