Jerusalem, Israel – Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the Israeli Defense Forces to create a plan that would allow residents of Gaza to voluntarily leave the Gaza Strip. The plan, which includes options for exit through land crossings, as well as special arrangements for departure by sea and air, aims to provide Gazans with the freedom to emigrate. Katz’s decision comes after US President Donald Trump presented a plan for relocating Gazans during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
Katz expressed concerns over Hamas using Gazans as human shields, exploiting humanitarian aid for its own purposes, and restricting their ability to leave the region. He emphasized that the residents of Gaza should have the same rights to exit and immigrate, as is customary in other parts of the world. Katz pointed out that countries who have criticized Israel for its actions in Gaza, such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, have a legal obligation to allow Gaza residents to enter their territories – a stance that he believes exposes their hypocrisy.
Trump, in an interview with The Jerusalem Post, reaffirmed his commitment to relocating the residents of Gaza, stating that it “will happen.” He indicated that Jordan and Egypt are open to welcoming Gazans, expressing his desire to remove all residents from Gaza. The plan to relocate Gazans, as proposed by Trump, has raised various reactions and concerns both domestically and internationally.
Overall, Katz’s directive and Trump’s plan have sparked discussions on the rights and freedom of Gaza residents, as well as the responsibility of countries and leaders in addressing the situation in Gaza. The developments in this ongoing issue continue to garner attention and scrutiny from various stakeholders.