Key facts
- Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel Katz have called for the mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza.
- Ben-Gvir proposed a seven-year plan for "voluntary emigration" and suggested creating a new ministry to oversee it.
- Katz stated that a "migration" of Gazans is necessary for a solution in Gaza.
- These statements come as Israel approaches a general election on October 27.
- Palestinians expressed fears of a new 'Nakba' and vowed to remain on their land.
- Ben-Gvir shared and deleted an AI-generated video depicting Palestinian prisoners.
Two Israeli ministers, aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, have reignited discussions about the mass removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed a seven-year plan for "voluntary emigration" and suggested the creation of a new ministry to oversee such efforts. Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed similar sentiments, stating that "migration" is a necessary component for resolving the situation in Gaza.
These statements, made as Israel approaches a general election on October 27, have heightened fears among Palestinians of a new "Nakba," a term referring to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 war. Hamas officials have rejected the proposals, asserting the Palestinian people's deep roots in their land.
Ben-Gvir's office indicated that Turkey, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are being considered as potential destinations for emigration. The Defence Ministry had previously established an office to oversee "voluntary emigration" following similar suggestions by U.S. President Donald Trump, though the idea faced international resistance. Netanyahu has publicly supported "voluntary emigration" but has deemed the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza unrealistic.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a significant death toll according to Gaza health authorities. A UN inquiry has determined that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Israel denies these allegations, stating its campaign targets Hamas. Ben-Gvir also recently posted and subsequently deleted an AI-generated video depicting Palestinian prisoners, which garnered millions of views.