Israel’s security cabinet has approved a contentious proposal to facilitate the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza, a move critics argue could amount to ethnic cleansing.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Sunday, March 23, that the cabinet had approved Defense Minister Israel Katz’s plan to organize a “voluntary transfer” of Gaza residents to third countries. The initiative is presented as aligning with Israeli and international law and echoes a vision previously expressed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This decision marks a significant shift from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier pledge not to permanently displace Gaza’s civilian population. Critics warn that any large-scale displacement during an ongoing war could constitute ethnic cleansing, a violation of international law. However, Israeli officials insist the emigration would be voluntary and legally compliant.
United Nations emergency relief chief Martin Griffiths has described Gaza as “uninhabitable,” stating its people face “daily threats to their very existence.”
The Israeli defense ministry says the new plan will establish an administration to “prepare and facilitate the safe and controlled movement” of Gazans who choose to leave. This includes setting up exit routes, pedestrian checks, and infrastructure to enable departures.
Some Israeli officials have framed the plan as a realization of Trump’s vision to depopulate Gaza and transform it into a Middle Eastern “riviera.” However, Trump recently denied supporting the forced expulsion of Palestinians, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated that rebuilding Gaza is not intended as an “eviction plan” but rather a way to “shake up everybody’s thinking.”
The Palestinian Authority has strongly opposed the plan, with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen declaring that Palestinians “are steadfast to stay in their land and will not move.”
Despite previous assurances from Netanyahu that Israel does not intend to permanently occupy Gaza or displace its people, discussions on mass emigration have gained traction within Israeli political circles. Defense Minister Katz recently suggested Israel may maintain a lasting presence in the enclave.
