Israeli Minister Advocates for Long-Term Gaza Occupation and West Bank Annexation.

Jerusalem: Amid escalating tensions and violence in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, Israeli Minister of Settlement Orit Strook has called for the continuation of the Gaza occupation and the annexation of the West Bank. Strook, a member of the far-right "Jewish Power" party, expressed her views in an interview with Ynet, emphasizing the need for a sustained Israeli presence in Gaza and opposing any ceasefire agreements. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Strook stated, "I do not think that there should be a strategy for exiting the Gaza Strip." She highlighted the importance of maintaining the objectives set by the government for the ongoing conflict, viewing them as a contract with the soldiers and their families. Strook also reiterated her party's resistance to any prisoner exchange deals with Gaza. In terms of the West Bank, Strook revealed that her office is actively preparing for the implementation of Israeli sovereignty, signaling steps towards annexation. She emphasized that whil e human rights should be universal, the national right to the land should be exclusive to Israelis, dismissing the viability of a Palestinian state. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has also echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that plans for annexing significant portions of the West Bank should be revisited by Israel.