Israel’s defence minister has announced plans for a major relocation of Gaza’s population into a designated camp in the southern part of the territory. The initiative, reportedly aimed at housing the entire 2.1 million Palestinian population of Gaza, would begin with the relocation of about 600,000 people into a newly built “humanitarian city” on the ruins of Rafah.
This camp would serve as a contained zone, where those admitted would first undergo security screening to ensure no ties to militant groups. Once inside, residents would not be permitted to leave. The proposal is said to be part of a broader strategy that could commence during a potential 60-day ceasefire currently being negotiated.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have condemned the plan as a potential violation of international law, calling it a form of forced population transfer. Such actions are considered illegal under international humanitarian law, which prohibits the deportation or forcible relocation of civilians in occupied territories. Critics warn that the plan amounts to a prelude to mass deportation and could constitute ethnic cleansing.
There has been no formal response yet from Palestinian authorities or armed factions. However, many Palestinians view the proposal with deep suspicion, fearing it signals a repeat of their historical trauma—the mass displacement known as the Nakba, when hundreds of thousands were expelled or fled their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. Many of those displaced ended up in Gaza, and their descendants now comprise the majority of the population there.
The proposed relocation plan aligns with recent discussions between Israeli and American leadership. During a meeting in Washington, Israeli leaders expressed support for a vision in which Palestinians could choose to leave Gaza permanently. The idea of resettling Gaza’s population in third countries has gained traction among some policymakers, with claims that surrounding nations are cooperating with these efforts.
This has sparked concern across the Arab world, where countries have collectively rejected any plans that involve displacing Palestinians. Instead, Arab states have backed an alternative reconstruction initiative for Gaza that keeps its population in place. This proposal, funded by billions in aid, was welcomed by both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. Arab leaders have strongly condemned any displacement strategy, labeling it a gross violation of human rights and international law.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Continuous military operations have led to the deaths of over 57,500 people, according to local sources, and more than 90% of homes in the territory are believed to be damaged or destroyed. Gaza’s infrastructure—including health services, water supplies, and sanitation systems—has all but collapsed. The vast majority of the population has been displaced multiple times, and residents face severe shortages of essential resources such as food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.
With negotiations ongoing and pressure mounting from various international actors, the future of Gaza’s population hangs in the balance. The debate continues over whether proposed plans will bring relief or further deepen a crisis already marked by profound human suffering and historical injustice.
