Israel's Military Prepares 'Voluntary Departure' Strategy for Gazans Amid US Relocation Proposal
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Synopsis
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced plans for the voluntary relocation of Gazans to countries willing to accept them. This follows Trump's proposal for US ownership and redevelopment of Gaza after Palestinian relocation. Katz emphasized freedom of movement while facing criticism from Spain's Foreign Minister.
Key Takeaways
- Israel Katz orders military to prepare a relocation plan for Gazans.
- Trump proposes US ownership and redevelopment of Gaza.
- Katz emphasizes freedom of movement rights for Gaza residents.
- Criticism arises from Spanish officials regarding relocation.
- Plan aims for long-term reconstruction post-Hamas rule.
Jerusalem, Feb 6 (NationPress) The Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to devise a plan facilitating the 'voluntary departure' of Gaza residents to any nation willing to accept them, as stated in a release from his office on Thursday.
This directive is a response to US President Donald Trump's comments on Tuesday, in which he asserted that the United States would assume control of the Gaza Strip and initiate redevelopment efforts following the relocation of Palestinians. These statements were made during a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
'I welcome President Trump's audacious plan,' Katz remarked, insisting that 'the people of Gaza should have the right to freedom of movement and migration, as is customary everywhere in the world.'
He elaborated that the plan would permit any 'interested' Gaza resident to depart via land, sea, or air.
Katz mentioned that nations like Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others, which he claimed have 'incorrectly' criticized Israel regarding its actions in Gaza, 'are legally obligated to allow Gazans to enter their territory.'
He further noted that countries such as Canada, which has an established immigration framework, have previously shown readiness to accept residents from Gaza.
Katz's statements were met with immediate backlash from Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
'Gazans' land is Gaza, and Gaza must be part of the future Palestinian state,' Albares stated during an interview with the Spanish radio station RNE.
In his Thursday announcement, Katz claimed that 'the plan 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 (ending the rule of) Hamas -- efforts that will take many years.'
Katz accused Hamas of 'using the residents of Gaza as human shields,' 'holding them hostage,' 'extorting money from them through the humanitarian aid system,' and 'preventing their departure from Gaza.'
Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu expressed his endorsement of Trump's plan during a Fox News interview, stating, 'It's an excellent idea, and it should be examined and pursued.'
Trump's comments regarding Gaza have sparked widespread criticism throughout the Middle East and beyond.
