Israel wants to relocate Gaza population to single ‘humanitarian city’
(MENAFN) Israel is reportedly planning to relocate the entire population of Gaza into a newly constructed “humanitarian city” in the ruins of Rafah, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. The plan, which has drawn fierce criticism, envisions the displacement of all 2.2 million residents of the Palestinian enclave.
Initially, the “city” would house around 600,000 Palestinians, primarily those currently living in makeshift conditions in the coastal Mawasi area. The entire project would eventually absorb the full population of Gaza, Katz explained on Monday. The area would be remotely secured by the Israeli military and managed by unspecified international bodies.
Katz emphasized that all residents would be screened to prevent Hamas operatives from entering the area. He acknowledged that the broader goal is to depopulate Gaza and encourage Palestinians to emigrate “voluntarily.” He also made it clear that those relocated to the “city” would not be allowed to return to other areas of Gaza.
Although Katz said planning is already underway, no formal government approval or official announcement has been made. The timeline for implementation remains uncertain.
Human rights groups have condemned the plan. Critics, including prominent Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard, have compared the proposed site to an internment camp and warned of severe human rights violations. Sfard described the initiative as “an operational plan for a crime against humanity,” arguing that under the current conditions in Gaza, no emigration could be truly considered voluntary.
The relocation plan surfaces amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. A recent Hamas proposal seeking a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza was rejected by Israeli authorities. The conflict, which began in October 2023 with a deadly Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages, has since led to an Israeli military campaign that has killed at least 57,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities, with the majority of casualties being civilians.
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