Israel Greenlights Controversial Directorate for 'Voluntary Relocation' of Gaza Palestinians
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a new directorate to manage the 'voluntary relocation' of Palestinians from Gaza to third countries. This controversial decision aims to facilitate the departure of residents but faces criticism over its implications amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges.
Key Takeaways
- New directorate formed for voluntary relocation of Gaza residents.
- Discussions ongoing with several countries for potential resettlement.
- Inspections and infrastructure planned for safe departures.
- Critics view the initiative as part of a depopulation strategy.
- Conflict in Gaza has led to significant casualties and displacement.
Jerusalem, March 23 (NationPress) Israel's Security Cabinet has sanctioned the formation of a contentious new body intended to manage the 'voluntary relocation' of Palestinians from Gaza to third-party nations, as confirmed by the Defence Ministry in a statement on Sunday.
The newly created directorate, functioning under the auspices of the Defence Ministry, will oversee the 'voluntary departure' of Gaza residents who show an interest in relocating.
The ministry refrained from naming any specific third countries or confirming whether any have agreed to accept potential refugees. Nevertheless, Israeli officials have been engaged in discussions with various nations across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
As per the ministry, the directorate will be responsible for preparing and facilitating the 'safe and supervised' exit of Gaza residents. They mentioned that inspection points for pedestrian crossings would be established in designated zones of Gaza, along with necessary infrastructure to support travel by land, sea, or air to the countries of destination.
Defence Minister Israel Katz is anticipated to announce the head of this directorate in the upcoming days, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
'We are utilizing all available means to realize the vision of the US President,' Katz stated.
'Any Gazan resident who wishes to leave voluntarily for a third country will be permitted to do so.'
In February, US President Donald Trump unveiled a plan aimed at relocating Gaza's Palestinian population to neighboring nations, which was part of a larger vision to reconstruct the war-torn region as a 'Riviera.'
However, he later retracted this plan following widespread international backlash.
Critics contend that while the relocation initiative is framed as voluntary, it aligns with Israeli aims to depopulate Gaza amid the ongoing conflict and escalating humanitarian crisis.
This decision by Israel's Security Cabinet coincides with a renewed air and ground offensive by Israeli forces across Gaza, effectively concluding a two-month ceasefire. Thousands of Palestinians have once again been displaced as bombardments escalate.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas executed a surprise assault on Israeli towns, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities. The war has since ravaged Gaza, leaving vast areas in ruins. Health authorities in Gaza reported on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll from persistent Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has surpassed 50,000.
