Israel minister tells army to plan for Palestinians leaving Gaza
Following a controversial proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the Israeli military to develop a plan facilitating the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza.
The Plan: Katz’s plan includes exit options via land crossings, as well as special arrangements for departure by sea and air.
Trump’s Proposal: Trump’s plan involves the U.S. taking control of Gaza, resettling Palestinians, and transforming the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. He has stated that Palestinians would be resettled in safer communities and that the U.S., with international development teams, would develop the area without the need for soldiers, bringing stability to the region.
Katz’s Support: Katz welcomed Trump’s “bold plan” and stated that Gaza residents should have the “freedom to leave and emigrate, as is the norm around the world”.
Destination Countries: Katz suggested that countries critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza should accept departing Palestinians, naming Spain, Ireland, and Norway as examples. He also mentioned Canada as a country with a structured immigration program that has previously expressed willingness to accept Gaza residents.
Netanyahu’s Stance: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported Trump’s proposal, calling it a “remarkable idea” that should be explored.
Opposition: The proposal has faced international condemnation from countries like Russia, China, and Germany, as well as regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Palestinian authorities and Arab nations have dismissed the proposal, arguing that enforced displacement breaches international law.
Palestinian Perspective: Many Palestinians oppose leaving Gaza, fearing permanent displacement reminiscent of the “Nakba” in 1948. Hamas official Basem Naim accused Katz of trying to cover up the failures of the war on Gaza, asserting that Palestinians are too attached to their land to leave.
International Law: Forcible displacement of a population under military occupation is considered a war crime under the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
Context: The announcement comes amidst discussions for a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas.
Impact of conflict: An unprecedented incursion on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages, led to a military campaign by the Israeli military aimed at dismantling Hamas. Since that date, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that over 47,550 individuals have lost their lives, with 111,600 others injured.
Concerns about Hamas regrouping: Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that each time Israel concludes military operations and withdraws, Hamas fighters regroup and reemerge.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israeli military to develop a plan to allow Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza. This follows a proposal from US President Donald Trump to have the United States take control of Gaza and resettle the Palestinian population in other nations.
The Plan: Katz instructed the military to create a plan that includes exit options via land, sea, and air for Gazans wishing to leave. He stated that Gazans should have the right to freedom of movement and migration.
Trump’s Proposal: Trump’s proposal suggests the U.S. would take over Gaza, relocate its residents, and redevelop the territory. He believes this could create something extraordinary and end the cycle of violence.
Minister’s Comments: Katz welcomed Trump’s plan as “bold”. He also said that countries critical of Israel’s actions should accept Gazans.
International Reaction: The proposal has faced criticism and sparked uproar from leaders in the Middle East and beyond. The UN has warned against forced displacement, saying it would be tantamount to ethnic cleansing. Palestinian authorities and Arab nations have rejected the idea, stating that enforced displacement violates international law.
Responses from Other Countries:
Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, stated that Spain makes its own decisions and won’t have its actions dictated by a third party.
Katz mentioned that countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which have criticized Israel, are legally obligated to allow Gazans to enter their territory.
Netanyahu’s Stance: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed Trump’s proposal, calling it “the first positive proposal I’ve encountered” and suggesting those who leave could return after reconstruction.
