Israel's defense minister has ordered the military to prepare a plan to allow Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza, aligning with President Donald Trump's controversial proposal for a U.S. takeover of the enclave. The move, announced Thursday by Defense Minister Israel Katz, follows Trump's remarks earlier this week that Israel should transfer Gaza to U.S. control after the war ends and relocate its 2.3 million residents elsewhere.
Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should establish "exit options" by land, sea, and air to facilitate the emigration of Palestinians to "any country willing to accept them." He also singled out European nations that have criticized Israel's military campaign, arguing that Spain, Ireland, and Norway should be "legally obligated" to take in Gaza's displaced residents.
Trump first outlined his vision for Gaza during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. "We'll own it," Trump said. "We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal... the Riviera of the Middle East." He added that Palestinians should be "resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities."
Netanyahu Backs Trump's Plan
Netanyahu praised Trump's idea, calling it a "remarkable" proposal that "should be pursued." Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Netanyahu questioned the objections to allowing Gazans to leave. "The actual idea of allowing first Gazans who want to leave, to leave, what's wrong with that?" he said.
The endorsement from Israel's leadership signals a significant policy shift. For nearly two decades, Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade on Gaza, restricting movement in and out of the territory. The new directive to the IDF suggests Israel is now actively working to facilitate Palestinian emigration-a move that could reshape the political and humanitarian landscape of the region.
Global Opposition and Humanitarian Concerns
The international response to Trump's proposal has been overwhelmingly negative. European and Arab leaders have denounced any forced displacement of Palestinians, warning that such actions would violate international law.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares rejected Katz's call for Spain to accept Gazan refugees, stating that "Spain makes its own decisions ... no third party should tell it what to do." He emphasized that Gaza "must be part of a future Palestinian state."
Palestinian leaders and civilians have also condemned the proposal. Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, called on Trump to retract his "irresponsible statements," warning that they "pour oil on the fire."
On the ground, many Gazans rejected the idea of leaving their homeland. "We spent a year and four months in the war and did not leave our country, so is it expected that we will leave it now?" said Abu Saad Al-Daada, a 56-year-old resident of Khan Younis, speaking to NBC News.
Shifting U.S. Stance and Political Fallout
Trump's plan has also drawn sharp criticism within the U.S. and among human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch described the proposal as an "intent to escalate ethnic cleansing in Gaza."
The White House has attempted to clarify Trump's remarks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president is "committed to rebuilding Gaza and to temporarily relocating" Palestinians during reconstruction efforts. She also emphasized that Trump has "not committed to sending U.S. troops to Gaza."
However, the backlash has not been limited to Democrats. Republican Senator Rand Paul voiced skepticism over Trump's strategy, writing on X, "I thought we voted for America First. We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers' blood."
Since Israel launched its military offensive following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack-which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 taken hostage-Gaza has suffered unprecedented devastation. More than 47,500 Palestinians have been killed, and 111,000 injured, according to local health authorities. The United Nations estimates that nearly 70% of Gaza's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
