Israel ready to remove Palestinians in Gaza once US approves, minister says

Israel has prepared a plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, pending approval from the United States, Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed. Katz stated that the government is ready to evacuate the residents via sea, air, or any feasible means. The proposal was initially advocated by US President Donald Trump during his inaugural term, envisioning the transformation of the region into a luxury resort.

However, the idea was met with criticism, including from Egypt, the sole bordering country besides Israel. Trump later abandoned the plan due to widespread backlash, particularly from Palestinians who argued that such a move would be reminiscent of the Nakba, the catastrophic displacement of their ancestors during Israel's establishment in 1948.

Katz emphasized that while the concept has not been entirely cancelled, it remains a topic of discussion, contingent upon the US's willingness to accommodate Palestinians, which could occur once Hamas ceases to obstruct the process. Katz suggested that approximately 80% of Gaza's population desires to relocate, but Hamas is impeding this process.

The forced displacement of civilians in occupied territories is deemed a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz’s predecessor Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, claims Israel and the US deny. The conflict has already resulted in the internal displacement of nearly all Gaza's inhabitants since the Hamas attack that claimed 1,221 lives.

Israel's offensive has since resulted in 73,470 fatalities in Gaza, with over 1,330 deaths since the ceasefire brokered by President Trump in October.