Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte says Israel should ‘crush Hamas’, turn Gaza into ‘world’s biggest cemetery’

He also said if he were Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, he would ‘pulverise Gaza and make it the biggest cemetery in the world’

Duterte, who retired from politics in 2022 after completing his six-year term in office, has made controversial remarks and insulted world leaders in the past

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Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila in 2022. Duterte, who retired from politics in 2022 after completing his six-year term in office, has made controversial remarks and insulted world leaders in the past. Photo: AP

Published: 5:51pm, 11 Oct 2023Updated: 5:12am, 12 Oct 2023

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, known for his colourful language, has suggested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu crush Gaza and turn the Hamas-controlled territory into the “world’s biggest cemetery”, after escalating attacks from both sides left more than 2,000 people dead.

Israel relentlessly bombarded the Gaza Strip with hundreds of air strikes after Palestinian militants last Saturday rained rockets on the Jewish state and gunmen stormed its cities, killing hundreds and abducting dozens, including foreigners.

Duterte told broadcaster SMNI News that if he were Netanyahu, he would eliminate Hamas by razing the sealed-off enclave to the ground.

“I will crush Hamas. I will give them 48 hours to get out of the place. If not, I will flatten it. No more Gaza to fight for,” said Duterte, who retired from politics in 2022 after completing his six-year term in office.

Destruction in Gaza City’s al-Karama district. Photo: AFP

He also urged civilians to back off because he would “pulverise Gaza and make it the biggest cemetery in the world”.

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