Many “innocent” Gazans joined the kidnapping and murder of Israeli civilians on October 7, while many more “celebrated” the massacre, as well as “the return of Jewish babies in coffins,” noted Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan Thursday , who called for the enclave to be “denazified” and “demilitarized” while urging the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the region.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan called for the full eradication of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas and the transformation of Gaza in line with President Trump’s vision, following the return of the bodies of a mother and her babies, as well as an elderly peace activist, who had been held hostage for over 500 days.
In a statement posted Thursday, Erdan drew a comparison to Nazi Germany, noting that while some Germans had saved Jews during the Holocaust, “not a single Gazan saved a single hostage.”
Even in Nazi Germany, there were Germans who saved Jews.
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) February 20, 2025
Not a single Gazan saved a single hostage.
Many many 'innocent' Gazans took part in the kidnapping & murder and many more came out today and on October 7th to celebrate the return of Jewish babies in coffins.
Hamas must… https://t.co/WMyv02keou
He further accused many civilians in Gaza of participating in the October 7 massacre, or celebrating the deaths of Israelis.
“Many many ‘innocent’ Gazans took part in the kidnapping & murder and many more came out today and on October 7th to celebrate the return of Jewish babies in coffins,” he wrote.
#ICYMI: Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank Celebrate on October 7, Hand Out Sweets, Fire Guns in the Air, following Hamas's Invasion and Massacre in the Gaza Envelope #Palestinians #Hamas #Gaza #Israel pic.twitter.com/6GhpsntBq5
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) November 3, 2023
“Hamas must be eradicated. Fully. Gaza must be denazified and demilitarized. President [Donald Trump’s] vision must be realized,” he insisted, adding that “We cannot live side by side with Hamas and their collaborators.”
On Thursday, Israelis began mourning the four hostages — including an elderly peace activist and the iconic Bibas children — Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2 — along with their mother, Shiri — after their bodies were returned in locked coffins, following a gruesome handover ceremony by Palestinian Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Hamas literally assembled a stage to display the caskets of an elderly man, a young mother, and two small children whom they kidnapped and murdered on October 7.
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) February 20, 2025
The spectacle was welcomed by cheering, yes cheering, Gazans.
There are no words for this depravity. pic.twitter.com/smIoIAzuaN
The childrens’ father, Yarden, was released alive several weeks ago and did not know the fate of his wife or their two children.
🇮🇱🎗️This is the moment mother Shiri Bibas was kidnapped from her home in Nir Oz, Israel on October 7th 2023.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) February 18, 2025
The mother appeared terrified as she begged her Palestinian kidnappers to spare her children’s lives, as she clutched them in her arms.
Hamas has claimed the family,… pic.twitter.com/vBfJ2YKjTy
Oded Lifshitz, 84, was the fourth hostage returned Thursday. He was abducted from his home on October 7 and later murdered in captivity. Lifshitz was a journalist, kibbutz leader, and peace activist who aided ill Palestinian children.
Oded Lifshitz (83) was a grandfather who loved playing the piano.
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) February 20, 2025
In his free time he transported ill Palestinian children to Israeli hospitals for treatment.
On October 7th, he was violently kidnapped from his home.
He was held captive by Islamic Jihad terrorists in… pic.twitter.com/GKBUxLFKlt
In response, Republican New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov slammed the “[s]ick & evil society dancing & celebrating the murder of innocent babies.”
“No more negotiations with savages. No two states,” she wrote. “Take back Gaza. Finish them.”
Sick & evil society dancing & celebrating the murder of innocent babies. No more negotiations with savages. No two states. Take back Gaza. Finish them. https://t.co/SkM100XgRy
— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) February 20, 2025
Erdan’s remarks align with a broader shift within the Israeli government toward a more lasting restructuring of Gaza, echoing President Trump’s call to take control of the strip, resettle its population, and rebuild it into a thriving economic hub.
Earlier this month, President Trump announced his Gaza proposal during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump’s vision, unlike anything seen before, could reshape the region’s future, with supporters seeing it as a historic opportunity to bring stability and prosperity.
The United States stands firmly with Israel and the people of the Middle East, which haven't experienced peace in many, many years. Violence and hatred do not have to define the region's future.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 5, 2025
Today, President Trump took bold action in hopes of achieving lasting peace in… https://t.co/mk5FthXNZz
On Monday, Israel announced the creation of a department to oversee the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents to third countries, a move ordered by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. The plan aligns with President Trump’s approach to Middle East peace, emphasizing regional solutions over past failed policies to promote stability and long-term security.
NEW
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 17, 2025
Israel Establishes Directorate for Palestinian Emigration from Gaza
Defense Minister Israel Katz announces a new Defense Ministry directorate to facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza, in line with Trump’s plans.
The directorate, including… pic.twitter.com/jIxGrzrFDU
The involvement of top Israeli defense officials underscored the serious commitment to this effort.
For years, establishment leaders and international bodies have pushed failed approaches to the Gaza crisis. Now, Israel is embracing a pragmatic solution that aligns with President Trump’s vision — empowering individuals with the choice to leave for a better future while safeguarding Israel’s security.
Katz had previously instructed the IDF to develop a plan allowing Gaza residents to emigrate to willing countries, emphasizing their right to freedom of movement, while accusing Hamas of exploiting civilians as human shields, extorting them through humanitarian aid, and blocking their ability to leave.
“I welcome President [Trump’s] bold initiative, which can create extensive opportunities for those in Gaza who wish to leave, assist them in resettling in host countries, and support long-term reconstruction efforts in a demilitarized, threat-free Gaza after Hamas—an effort that will take many years,” he concluded.
I have instructed the IDF to prepare a plan that will allow any resident of Gaza who wishes to leave to do so, to any country willing to receive them.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) February 6, 2025
Hamas has used the residents of Gaza as human shields, built its terror infrastructure in the heart of the civilian population,…
On Saturday, the Israeli Defense Minister thanked President Trump for standing with Israel as it confronts its “Palestinian terror threat” from Gaza.
The matter comes as Israel remains locked in confrontation with Hamas in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre — the worst terrorist attack in Israel’s history, which saw thousands of terrorists burst into Israel and gun down participants at an outdoor music festival while going door to door hunting for Jewish men, women, and children in local towns who were then subject to torture, rape, execution, immolation, and kidnapping.
These are the girls who were slaughtered by Palestinians on October 7.
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) February 17, 2025
500 days ago.pic.twitter.com/jS0DGJkqs4
Past Israeli withdrawals from Gaza and Lebanon were driven by the hope that concessions would bring peace, but instead, they emboldened terrorist groups.
Trump’s firm stance against Hamas, alongside his bold proposal for Gaza’s future, marks a departure from previous U.S. policies, setting the stage for a new regional strategy with lasting implications.
On Thursday, Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli praised President Trump’s proposal for the coastal enclave.
What a change!
— עמיחי שיקלי - Amichai Chikli (@AmichaiChikli) February 11, 2025
Thank you, @SecRubio, for your courage, moral clarity, and leadership.
Indeed, America is back 🇺🇸🇮🇱 https://t.co/UykhfDyopA pic.twitter.com/kfjYYJjZ80
The minister told Breitbart News that it is a “bold,” “outside the box” and “credible” shift away from past failed peace strategies.
Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at