Defence minister outlines controversial plan to relocate entire population of Gaza during war ceasefire talks
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced a controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s 2.1 million residents into a newly constructed camp in the southern city of Rafah, according to multiple Israeli media outlets.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Katz said the plan involves building a “humanitarian city” on the ruins of Rafah to initially house 600,000 displaced Palestinians, eventually expanding to include the entire population. Residents would be allowed in only after security screenings to ensure they were not affiliated with Hamas, and would not be permitted to leave once relocated.
“If conditions allow, construction could begin during a 60-day ceasefire currently under negotiation,” Katz added.
Critics: “This is an operational plan for a crime against humanity”
The move has sparked fierce criticism from international human rights groups and legal experts. Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, told The Guardian:
“This is all about population transfer to the southern tip of the Gaza Strip in preparation for deportation outside the Strip.”
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that any forcible transfer of a civilian population under occupation would violate international humanitarian law and could amount to ethnic cleansing.
There has been no immediate response from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Trump, Netanyahu back population relocation
During a separate meeting at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed Donald Trump’s proposal for a long-term U.S.-led administration of Gaza and potential resettlement of its population.
“If people want to stay, they can stay. If they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu stated.
“We’re working with the U.S. to find countries that will offer the Palestinians a better future.”
Trump added, “We’ve had great cooperation from surrounding countries… Something good will happen.”
Arab States Reject Displacement Plan
In contrast, Arab nations have pushed forward their own $53 billion Egyptian-led initiative, which focuses on Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its people.
They described the Israeli-U.S. proposal as a “gross violation of international law” and “a crime against humanity”, reiterating their categorical rejection of any form of forced Palestinian displacement.
Many Palestinians fear a repeat of the Nakba—the 1948 mass displacement during the creation of Israel. Today, over three-quarters of Gaza’s population are descendants of refugees from that era.
Gaza: Devastated by war
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza followed the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages.
Since then, over 57,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced, most multiple times. Over 90% of homes are estimated to be damaged or destroyed, while the healthcare, sanitation, and food systems have collapsed.
Israeli defence minister plans to move Gaza’s population to camp in Rafah
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