According to the reports on Thursday (6 February), Israel’s defense minister has ordered the military to prepare for voluntary departures of Palestinians from Gaza following a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan, which includes exit options by land, sea, and air, has sparked international backlash. While Israeli officials claim the initiative could help Gaza residents relocate and aid in reconstruction efforts, many Palestinians reject any attempts to displace them from their homeland.
Trump’s announcement, made alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, but details remained vague. The proposal was met with alarm, prompting the Trump administration to later clarify that any relocation would be temporary. The United Nations strongly condemned the idea, warning that forced displacement would amount to ethnic cleansing. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas also rejected it, calling it a violation of international law.
Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, praised the proposal as a bold and positive step for the future of Gaza. Netanyahu called Trump Israel’s “greatest friend” and supported further examination of the plan. However, doubts remain over its feasibility, with some Israelis expressing skepticism about its implementation. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the initiative could provide better opportunities for Gazans and contribute to rebuilding a demilitarized territory.
Many Palestinians in Gaza view the proposal as a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, when mass displacement occurred during Israel’s creation. Despite the war-ravaged conditions, they have vowed to stay, rejecting any forced exodus. Human Rights Watch has condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, arguing they are making the area unlivable. Hamas has also denounced the plan, calling it racist and aggressive, while international human rights organizations warn it could escalate the humanitarian crisis further.
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