Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the army to develop a plan allowing the ‘voluntary departure’ of Gaza residents to any country willing to accept them. The directive follows US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the United States taking control of the Gaza Strip and redeveloping it after Palestinians are relocated.
Katz expressed support for Trump’s plan, saying the people of Gaza should have the freedom to move and migrate, as is common worldwide. The plan would allow Gaza residents to leave via land, sea, or air, and Katz mentioned countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which he claimed have wrongly accused Israel of wrongdoing in Gaza, as obligated to accept Gazans.
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He also pointed out that countries like Canada, with established immigration programs, have previously shown interest in taking in Gaza residents.
Katz’s remarks were met with criticism from Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, who emphasized that Gaza must remain part of the future Palestinian state.
In the statement, Katz outlined that the plan would offer opportunities for Gazans who wish to leave, assist with resettlement, and support long-term reconstruction efforts in a demilitarized Gaza after Hamas’ rule ends. He accused Hamas of using Gaza residents as human shields, holding them hostage, and extorting money through the humanitarian aid system.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed support for Trump’s plan, calling it ‘an excellent idea’ in a Fox News interview. Trump’s comments have sparked widespread criticism across the Middle East and beyond.
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