Israel Orders Army to Prepare for Palestinians' “Voluntary” Exit from Gaza Amid Global Outrage
Israel has ordered its military to prepare for the “voluntary” departure of Palestinians from Gaza, following a controversial proposal by US President Donald Trump to relocate Gaza’s population. The announcement has sparked outrage from Middle Eastern leaders and international human rights groups, with the United Nations warning that any forced displacement of Palestinians would amount to ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to formulate a plan to enable Palestinians to leave Gaza and resettle in other countries willing to accept them. The plan comes after more than a year of war that has left Gaza in ruins, with much of its infrastructure destroyed. Katz argued that voluntary departures could create opportunities for those who wish to leave and facilitate reconstruction efforts in a demilitarized Gaza.
Trump’s proposal, announced during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been widely condemned. While the US president initially suggested that Washington would take over Gaza, his administration later appeared to backtrack, stating that any relocation of Palestinians would be temporary. However, Trump doubled down on his remarks on Thursday, declaring on his Truth Social platform that Gaza would be handed over to the United States after the fighting ends, insisting that no American soldiers would be needed.
Netanyahu has expressed support for Trump’s plan, calling it a “remarkable” proposal that deserves serious consideration. He described his recent meeting with Trump as a “great turning point for the future of Israel.” Meanwhile, far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed Katz’s move and reiterated his opposition to any form of Palestinian statehood.
Palestinians in Gaza have rejected Trump’s plan, vowing to remain on their land despite the devastation. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem strongly condemned Trump’s statements, calling them an “open declaration of intent to occupy the territory.” He stated that Gaza belongs to its people and that they will not leave under any circumstances. For many Palestinians, any effort to push them out of Gaza brings back memories of the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel in 1948.
International criticism of the plan has been swift. The United Nations has reiterated the inalienable rights of Palestinians to live on their land, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning against any forced displacement. Egypt, a key mediator in ceasefire talks, has also rejected the proposal, arguing that it undermines peace negotiations and could reignite hostilities.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with much of the territory’s infrastructure destroyed due to Israeli airstrikes. Schools, hospitals, and essential services have been wiped out, leaving millions of Palestinians in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Since a fragile ceasefire took effect in January, more than 10,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza, but relief efforts remain insufficient given the scale of destruction.
As tensions continue to escalate, the global community is closely watching how Israel proceeds with its relocation plan and whether Trump’s proposal gains any traction. While some Israeli citizens have welcomed the idea, many remain skeptical about its feasibility. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza have made it clear that they will resist any attempt to remove them from their homeland.