Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has unveiled a controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s entire population into a newly constructed “humanitarian city” in Rafah, igniting fierce criticism from human rights advocates and international bodies.
Speaking to Israeli media on Monday, Katz confirmed he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for the transfer of approximately 2.1 million Palestinians into a walled compound in southern Gaza. The camp, to be built on the ruins of Rafah, would initially house 600,000 displaced residents from the al-Mawasi area and eventually absorb the entire population. Entry would be contingent on security screening to exclude Hamas operatives, and once inside, residents would not be permitted to leave.
Katz suggested construction could begin during a proposed 60-day ceasefire currently under negotiation between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard denounced the proposal as “an operational plan for a crime against humanity,” warning that the forced transfer of civilians under coercive conditions violates international law. “This is all about population transfer in preparation for deportation outside the strip,” Sfard told The Guardian, adding that no departure under such duress can be considered voluntary.
The United Nations has previously stated that the forcible displacement of civilians from occupied territory is strictly prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention and constitutes ethnic cleansing.
Netanyahu and Trump Endorse Relocation Vision
Later on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where both leaders reiterated support for a broader resettlement initiative. Trump praised regional cooperation and said “something good will happen,” while Netanyahu called the plan “free choice,” suggesting Palestinians could opt to leave Gaza permanently.
The Trump administration has proposed a U.S.-led redevelopment of Gaza, turning it into a “Riviera of the Middle East” and relocating its population to third countries. Arab states have rejected the plan, backing instead a $53 billion Egyptian-led reconstruction initiative that allows Palestinians to remain in Gaza. The Arab League described any displacement as “a gross violation of international law, a crime against humanity and ethnic cleansing.”
Palestinian Fears of a Second Nakba
Palestinians have expressed deep concern over the proposed relocation, fearing a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands were expelled or fled during the creation of Israel. Today, three-quarters of Gaza’s population are descendants of those refugees.
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have endorsed the Egyptian plan, which emphasizes rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and restoring governance without displacement. However, both Israel and the U.S. have dismissed the proposal as unrealistic given current conditions.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Since Israel launched its military campaign in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 cross-border attack — which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken — Gaza has endured relentless bombardment. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 57,500 Palestinians have been killed, and over 90% of homes are damaged or destroyed. Healthcare, sanitation, and food systems have collapsed, leaving millions displaced and dependent on dwindling aid.
