Hamas has called on Arab and Muslim‑majority countries to take a unified and forceful stand against proposals from senior Israeli ministers to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza, warning that such plans represent a “dangerous escalation” with serious humanitarian and legal implications.
Spokesman Hazem Qassem said recent statements from members of Israel’s government show continued efforts to promote the displacement of Gaza’s population, urging regional governments to adopt concrete measures to block any such initiative. His remarks follow a proposal unveiled by far‑right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who suggested relocating around 250,000 Palestinians from the enclave.
Ben Gvir’s comments were echoed by Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said Israel was prepared to facilitate departures by land and sea, claiming the US was examining possible destinations for Palestinians who leave Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has previously advocated similar policies for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, where violence and settler attacks have surged.
International law experts warn that forcibly removing civilians from occupied territory is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions. Gaza has already experienced mass displacement during Israel’s military campaign following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 people according to Israeli figures. Millions of Palestinians have been pushed into overcrowded shelters, with humanitarian agencies repeatedly warning of famine‑like conditions.
The latest proposals come ahead of Israel’s 27 October elections, where polls show a tight contest for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose coalition includes several far‑right ministers backing population transfer ideas. The article also notes that former US President Donald Trump previously floated a relocation plan for Palestinians during discussions about a second presidential term.