Israel's Chief Rabbi declares Palestinians are not a people and calls for Gaza's destruction

Israel’s Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef publicly declared that Palestinians do not constitute a distinct people, asserted that the Gaza Strip belongs exclusively to Jews, and called for the territory’s destruction and eventual return to Jewish control. The remarks were made during a televised interview on Tuesday, where the rabbi emphasized his interpretation of religious texts as the basis for his claims.

The statements have drawn swift condemnation from Palestinian officials, who labeled the remarks as incitement and a denial of their national identity, and have prompted calls for a formal response from the Israeli Ministry of Religious Services. International observers and human‑rights organizations have also expressed concern, noting that such rhetoric could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region. Israeli government spokespeople have not yet issued an official comment, while the broader religious community remains divided over the rabbi’s interpretation of doctrine and its political implications.