Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed a contentious proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to "take over" Gaza, a plan that involves relocating Gaza's residents to neighboring countries and establishing long-term ownership of the enclave. This proposal has ignited a significant backlash from various international leaders, who have criticized it as impractical and illegal. Western allies of Washington have also rejected the idea of displacing people from Gaza.
The Middle East's leaders, including officials from Gaza, have reiterated their support for Palestinian statehood. The plan has been met with widespread condemnation, with leaders from the region and beyond dismissing it as unfeasible and unlawful. According to the United Nations, approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees exist globally, most of whom are descendants of those who fled during the creation of Israel in 1948. In the latest conflict, about 90% of Gaza residents were displaced, with many forced to move multiple times.
Despite the proposal, analysts suggest that the majority of the 2 million people living in Gaza are unlikely to voluntarily leave. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a plan for the voluntary departure of Gaza residents. This plan would involve integrating Palestinians into neighboring countries, an action prohibited under international law. Katz stated that countries such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway are "legally obligated to accept any Gazan resident who wishes to enter their territory," a claim that has been widely disputed.
Jordan's King Abdullah has firmly opposed the plan, emphasizing his country's rejection of any attempts to forcibly remove Palestinians from their homes. The proposal raises critical questions about the legality and morality of such forced displacement, which international law prohibits.
Netanyahu expressed his support for the initiative, describing it as a "remarkable idea" with the potential to create a different future for everyone involved.
"I welcome the bold initiative of US President Trump, which could allow a large portion of Gaza’s population to relocate to various destinations worldwide," Netanyahu stated.
He further emphasized the need to pursue and examine the plan.
"I think it should be really pursued, examined, pursued, and done because I think it will create a different future for everyone," he added.
In contrast, Amir Karaja, a resident of Gaza, voiced his opposition to being uprooted from his home.
"I won’t be displaced. Not (Trump) nor anyone else can uproot us from Gaza," Karaja declared.
He further asserted the rightful ownership of Palestinians over their land.
"This is our land, and we are the honest and true owners," he affirmed.
The proposal also involves a vision for Gaza's future post-Hamas, focusing on reconstruction efforts in a demilitarized and secure environment.
"into host countries while facilitating long-term reconstruction efforts in a demilitarized and threat-free Gaza in a post-Hamas era," Israel Katz explained.
Bezalel Smotrich, an Israeli minister, has threatened to resign if the current ceasefire continues. The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal expires on March 1, casting uncertainty over ongoing negotiations for its extension.
