Israel’s defense minister instructed the military on Thursday to devise a strategy for facilitating the “voluntary departure” of residents from Gaza, following widespread criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump‘s announcement regarding plans to assume control of the territory.

Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Trump’s declaration that the United States intends to take charge of Gaza, resettle the over 2 million Palestinians residing there, and develop the area into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

“I support President Trump’s audacious proposal; residents of Gaza should have the opportunity to leave and migrate, as is customary globally,” Katz stated on X. He indicated that his plan would encompass exit routes through land crossings, along with special provisions for departures by sea and air.

The displacement of Palestinians remains one of the most contentious and volatile issues in the Middle East. The forced or coerced relocation of a population under military occupation is classified as a war crime, prohibited by the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Israeli airstrikes, which have resulted in tens of thousands of casualties over the past 16 months, have compelled Palestinians to continuously relocate within Gaza in search of safety. However, many express a reluctance to leave the enclave due to fears of permanent displacement, reminiscent of the “Nakba,” or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands were uprooted during the conflict surrounding the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Many of those displaced sought refuge in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring Arab countries, including Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, where their descendants continue to reside in refugee camps. Israel contests the narrative that these individuals were forcibly removed.

Katz stated that nations critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza should accept Palestinian refugees. He mentioned, “Countries such as Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others that have made accusations against Israel regarding its operations in Gaza are legally required to permit any resident of Gaza to enter their borders.” He added that their hypocrisy would be evident if they chose not to comply. Katz also noted that countries like Canada, which have established immigration frameworks, have previously shown a willingness to welcome residents from Gaza.

His comments were met with immediate backlash from Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares. In an interview with Spanish radio station RNE, Albares asserted, “The land of Gazans is Gaza, and Gaza must be integral to the future Palestinian state.” Katz further accused Hamas of holding Palestinians captive in Gaza, obstructing their exit, and exploiting them through the humanitarian aid system, although he did not provide further details.

Trump’s unexpected announcement, which has incited anger across the Middle East, coincided with anticipated discussions between Israel and Hamas regarding a fragile ceasefire plan aimed at concluding nearly 16 months of conflict in Gaza.

INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION

On Wednesday, Trump faced criticism from global powers including Russia, China, and Germany, who argued that his plan for Gaza would lead to “new suffering and new hatred.” Egypt and other Arab nations vehemently oppose any efforts to forcibly relocate Palestinians, fearing that such actions would jeopardize the “two-state solution” concept, which envisions a Palestinian state alongside Israel, and leave Arab countries to manage the fallout. Saudi Arabia categorically rejected the proposal, while Jordan’s King Abdullah, scheduled to meet Trump at the White House next week, expressed his disapproval of any plans to annex land or displace Palestinians.

In a statement on X, Iran’s foreign ministry characterized Trump’s plan as part of Israel’s strategy to “completely eliminate the Palestinian people.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump’s proposal as “remarkable” on Wednesday, encouraging its exploration, although he did not clarify what he believed Trump was offering. Netanyahu expressed skepticism that Trump intended to deploy U.S. troops to combat Hamas in Gaza or that Washington would fund reconstruction efforts. “This is the first good idea that I’ve heard,” he remarked. “It’s a remarkable idea, and I think it should be thoroughly pursued and implemented, as it could lead to a different future for everyone involved.”

Hamas, which governed the Gaza Strip prior to the conflict, dismissed Trump’s proposal as “ridiculous and absurd.” Since January 25, Trump has consistently suggested that Palestinians in Gaza should be resettled in neighboring Arab countries like Egypt and Jordan, a notion that has been rejected by both the Arab nations and Palestinian leaders. He has not provided specific details regarding his plan for Gaza.

Trump’s aides have defended his proposal but have distanced themselves from certain aspects following widespread international criticism. The conflict in Gaza was ignited by a Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 25 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Since that time, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 47,000 Palestinians over the past 16 months, as per the Gaza health ministry, leading to allegations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel denies. The military actions have led to the internal displacement of nearly the entire population of Gaza, the destruction of numerous cities and towns, and a severe hunger crisis.