Israel Starts Planning for Potential Palestinian Departure
The defense minister issued orders to the army for planning departures via land, sea, or air.
Israel is making preparations for a potential Palestinian exodus from Gaza in response to President Trump’s statement that the United States would intervene and revamp Gaza once safe accommodations are arranged outside the war-torn region.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Feb. 6 to devise strategies for a significant number of Palestinians leaving Gaza.
The plan will involve various exit options such as land crossings, as well as specialized arrangements for departure by sea and air.
Katz endorsed Trump’s proposal, stating that it could facilitate the departure of a large population from Gaza to different parts of the world.
Trump suggested relocating most of Gaza’s residents permanently while the U.S. reconstructs the area, envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Despite U.S. officials later clarifying that the relocation would be temporary, Palestinians remain apprehensive that Israel may prevent their return.
