Such statements represent an explicit admission of the government’s policy of genocide and ethnic cleansing and are a full-fledged war crime under international law, the official affirmed in a statement.

Fattouh denounced “the inflammatory rhetoric (which) is no longer merely an extremist opinion, but rather an official policy used on the ground for nearly two years through a stifling blockade, attacks on aid centers, destruction of infrastructure, and attempts at forced displacement.”

The Palestinian leader urged the international community, especially the United Nations and its Security Council, to assume their legal and political responsibilities to stop such crimes.

He warned of the grave consequences for nearly one million people living or sheltering in Gaza City, given the beginning of a ground offensive to reoccupy the city.

Fattouh’s remarks follow similar comments by Israeli ministers and politicians seeking to annex Gaza and the West Bank.

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