Israel’s defense minister has announced intentions for the military to devise strategies that would facilitate the exit of a significant number of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, aligning with a proposal from former President Donald Trump regarding the war-torn area.
On Thursday, Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on the initiative, stating that it would encompass options for land crossings as well as specialized arrangements for travel by sea and air.
Katz expressed his support for Trump’s “bold plan,” noting that it could provide a pathway for many residents of Gaza to find refuge in various locations across the globe.
However, he did not clarify if the Palestinians, once relocated, would have the opportunity to return to Gaza, a location severely impacted by Israel’s prolonged military operations against Hamas over the past 15 months.
Trump recently suggested that a majority of Gaza’s populace should be “permanently” resettled as the U.S. embarks on reconstruction efforts in the region.
Subsequent statements from U.S. officials indicated that such relocation would be temporary, yet many Palestinians are apprehensive that Israel would not permit their return, which would exacerbate an already persistent refugee issue stemming from the establishment of the state.
The proposal has faced widespread condemnation from Palestinians and has been met with skepticism by various international entities. Human rights organizations have argued that the idea would constitute forced displacement, contravening international law.
In related updates: Two Israeli soldiers were reported dead following an incident involving a crane that accidentally collapsed in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military confirmed the fatalities and reported that another soldier suffered serious injuries due to the mishap, which occurred in the border vicinity. Initially, the military did not respond to inquiries for further details.
This marks the first loss of Israeli soldiers in Gaza since a ceasefire commenced last month, bringing a pause to a lengthy conflict triggered by Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023.
During the first phase of this ceasefire, effective until early March, Israeli forces have largely retreated from much of the area and have concentrated their efforts near the border. The military has advised Palestinians to steer clear of zones involving their operations and has taken action against individuals perceived to be breaching the ceasefire conditions.
As part of this ongoing phase, Hamas is expected to gradually release 33 hostages captured during the initial attack, in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian detainees in Israel. The negotiations for the second phase, which would involve additional hostages in return for more prisoners and establishment of a more enduring ceasefire, are still under discussion.
