Ben-Gvir Unveils Seven-Year Plan for Gaza Exodus

Two Israeli ministers have once again raised the issue of the mass exodus of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir presented a seven-year plan for “voluntary emigration” and intends to establish a ministry within the next government to oversee it.

His party mentioned Turkey, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as possible destination countries.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also said there is ultimately no real solution for Gaza without migration. He added that Israel is prepared to relocate residents, if possible, by sea, air or other means.

These statements come ahead of the Israeli parliamentary elections scheduled for 27 October. According to Reuters, some Palestinians in Gaza view them as part of the election campaign and reject the possibility of leaving.

At the same time, such proposals are reigniting fears among Palestinians of mass displacement similar to events that accompanied the creation of Israel in 1948.

(Reuters, mja)