JERUSALEM (Israel’s Defense Minister has reportedly unveiled a controversial strategy to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into a restricted area along the Egyptian border in Gaza, according to Israeli media sources.
This initiative is seen as part of a broader effort by the Israeli government to establish long-term control over Gaza and reduce the presence of its approximately 2 million residents. Critics argue that such measures could amount to forced displacement, potentially violating international law, especially given the devastation and humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing blockade and military operations.
Israeli authorities contend the goal is to isolate civilians from Hamas operatives, who retain control over parts of Gaza and continue to hold hostages from the October 7 attack that ignited the war nearly two years ago. The plan would also reportedly offer Palestinians the opportunity to emigrate.
In a closed-door briefing with military correspondents, Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined a vision for a “humanitarian city” to be constructed in Rafah — Gaza’s southernmost city, now largely destroyed and depopulated. His office has not commented on these reports.
Katz is said to have directed the Israeli military to prepare for the relocation of an initial 600,000 Palestinians from an existing coastal “humanitarian zone,” with a long-term goal of moving the entire population to Rafah. The area would be tightly secured by Israeli forces, and entry would reportedly be permanent — once inside, Palestinians would not be allowed to leave.
The initiative may be launched during a proposed 60-day ceasefire currently under discussion in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas maintains it will not release remaining hostages without a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Human rights organizations have expressed deep alarm. They warn that such population transfers, under the pretense of voluntary emigration, risk creating conditions that would effectively compel Palestinians to leave — echoing historic episodes of forced displacement.
Tania Hary, Executive Director of the Israeli rights group Gisha, stated, “Forcing people into what amounts to a large concentration camp echoes dark chapters of history. Israel’s leadership has been open about its intentions to expel Palestinians from Gaza and retain permanent control over large areas of the territory.”
Netanyahu and Trump have both suggested that Palestinians should be given the "freedom to choose" whether to remain in Gaza or emigrate to third countries. However, Palestinians fear any departure — even temporary — would become permanent, recalling the mass displacement of 1948 during Israel's founding.
Israel’s efforts to implement an aid distribution network in Rafah, in cooperation with the U.S., have also come under scrutiny. Local health officials report dozens of casualties among civilians attempting to access aid from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites. Witnesses allege that Israeli forces have opened fire on crowds, while the military insists only warning shots were used in response to perceived threats.
Although GHF denies any involvement in population transfer efforts, two U.S. contractors told the Associated Press that their colleagues had used live fire and stun grenades during aid distributions — claims the organization has refuted.
Nevertheless, Netanyahu has drawn a direct link between the aid operation and a broader relocation strategy. In a May press conference, he stated that Israel would build a “sterile zone” in southern Gaza, free of Hamas, where the civilian population could be resettled.
Netanyahu has also made clear that Israel intends to retain permanent authority over Gaza, excluding any involvement by the Palestinian Authority, which is recognized internationally but rivals Hamas politically.
0 Comments