The Israeli government has approved plans to establish a controversial agency tasked with facilitating the “voluntary” relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a move that has triggered sharp condemnation from regional governments, international bodies, and human rights organizations.
The proposal, developed by the Israeli Defense Ministry, received cabinet approval last weekend, though the agency itself has yet to be formally launched.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the measure in a statement, saying:
“We are working by all means to implement the vision of the U.S. president, and we will allow any Gaza resident who wishes to voluntarily move to a third country to do so.”
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s February push for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, a stance that has faced international backlash, including from U.S. allies such as France and Germany, and warnings from the United Nations that any such forced displacement would constitute a violation of international law.
Despite Trump’s threats to withhold U.S. aid from Egypt and Jordan unless they agree to accept displaced Palestinians, both nations have firmly rejected the proposal.
Earlier this month, the Arab League Summit endorsed a Gaza reconstruction plan that explicitly rules out displacement. The plan proposes a six-month transitional governance structure made up of independent technocrats, after which the Palestinian Authority would regain control of the enclave.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli agency’s creation and Israel’s recent recognition of 13 new settlements in the West Bank.
“Egypt affirms its categorical rejection of the so-called ‘voluntary displacement,’” the statement said.
“Leaving one’s home under bombardment, starvation, and blockade does not constitute a voluntary act. It is forced displacement—a war crime under international law and humanitarian law.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed the criticism in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“The Kingdom reiterates its firm rejection of Israel’s continuous violations of international law and international humanitarian law.”
The backlash underscores the growing regional concern over Israel’s long-term strategy in Gaza and the increasing perception among Arab states and international observers that humanitarian norms are being disregarded amid ongoing hostilities.
While Israeli officials maintain the relocation would be voluntary, critics argue that the context of war, blockade, and humanitarian collapse makes any such move inherently coercive and legally indefensible.
