The Israeli government approved an agency for the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents, facing backlash from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. They condemned the move as a violation of international law. The announcement coincides with rising Palestinian casualties amid ongoing airstrikes following the conflict with Hamas.
The establishment of an Israeli agency to assist in the alleged voluntary removal of Gaza residents has sparked widespread condemnation from various countries in the region. Proposed by the Israeli Defense Ministry, the approval of this agency occurred last weekend, although it has yet to be formally constituted.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated, “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.” This statement aligns with President Trump’s earlier advocacy for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal criticized by the United Nations and several U.S. allies for potentially breaching international law.
Despite President Trump’s threats of withdrawing aid from Egypt and Jordan unless they accept Palestinian refugees, both nations have firmly opposed the displacement proposal. In response to these developments, the Arab Summit has backed a reconstruction plan for Gaza that ensures Palestinians remain in their homes and would see the territory governed by independent professionals until the Palestinian Authority resumes control.
Egypt expressed strong disapproval of the agency’s establishment, condemning it as a facilitator of Palestinian displacement, which they argue contravenes international laws. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that escape amid conflict and blockades cannot be deemed voluntary.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia issued a statement denouncing the initiative. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its rejection of Israel’s ongoing violations of international law, labeling the agency’s aim to displace Palestinians as unacceptable while also criticizing illegal settlements in the West Bank.
This announcement came shortly after the Gaza Ministry of Health reported over 50,000 Palestinian casualties since the onset of conflict, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. The ministry noted that recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in 792 deaths and 1,663 injuries in the last week alone, following the end of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
In summary, the approval of an Israeli agency aimed at facilitating the voluntary relocation of Gaza residents has received significant condemnation from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Both nations assert that such actions violate international law and humanitarian principles, emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza amidst ongoing conflicts. The international community remains watchful, particularly given the heightened casualties and humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.deltaplexnews.com
