An Israeli plan to relocate Gaza’s population to a closed zone near the Egyptian border has drawn sharp condemnation from both Palestinians and the international community.
The plan was unveiled last Monday by Israel’s Minister of Military Affairs. It envisions building a closed zone in southern Gaza during a potential 60-day ceasefire in the territory, which is currently under negotiation in Qatar. According to Israel Katz, Gaza’s entire population of over two million people will be eventually displaced to the so-called "humanitarian city." In response, Hamas rejected the plan, calling it a 'preparation for forcibly displacing Palestinians to Egypt or other countries'. The Palestinian Authority also dismissed the plan, saying it has 'nothing to do with humanity'. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees condemned the idea as a massive concentration camp for Palestinians. The plan is also under fire in Israel. On Friday, a group of 16 Israeli law scholars warned in a letter to the regime's officials that the plan could amount to a war crime.