Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has outlined a plan to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and send them abroad.
Gaza Expulsion Plan would seek to relocate about 250,000 Palestinians during its first year, followed by the remaining population of roughly two million over the next six years, according to Ben-Gvir.
“It’s realistic,” Ben-Gvir said, claiming that unnamed countries were prepared to receive Palestinians from Gaza.
Plan Calls for ‘Voluntary Emigration’
Ben-Gvir said his Jewish Power party would seek a government ministry responsible for what the document describes as “emigration” if it joins the next government.
He said the proposal represents a year and a half of work and is now a concrete policy plan.
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The 20-page document carries the title “National Work Plan for Voluntary Emigration from the Gaza Strip.” Despite the use of the word “voluntary”, critics are likely to view the proposal as coercive given the severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the stated objective of removing its Palestinian population.
Forced Displacement Raises Legal Concerns
The forced displacement of civilians from occupied territory can constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.
The proposal comes as Israeli far-right politicians continue to advocate increasingly hardline approaches to Gaza while negotiations over a ceasefire remain uncertain.
Ben-Gvir’s comments also follow remarks by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said Israel was seeking US approval for a plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza.
Katz said the proposal had previously been “frozen” by US President Donald Trump but remained under discussion.
UN Investigation Raises Genocide Allegations
The developments come amid international scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
An independent United Nations inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, including through the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children. Israel has rejected such allegations.
The proposed plan has added to concerns over the future of Gaza’s Palestinian population as international efforts continue to address the conflict and humanitarian crisis.
