Israelis move to legitimise Trump’s plan for Gaza

Despite the growing belief that US President Donald Trump’s plan to displace 1.8 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip is unrealistic, Israeli officials are looking to work on plans to legalise and implement it, Asharq Al-Awsat reported on February 10th.

While other nations in the region have made their opposition to President Trump’s propositions clear, Israel has been vocally supportive. 

At the request of the Israeli cabinet, the army has begun formulating a strategy for the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza. 

This plan will feature exit routes via land crossings, as well as specific arrangements for departure by sea from Ashdod Bahri port and by air from Ramon Airport.

The army will also establish requirements to ensure the permanent departure of Palestinians by “prohibiting the return of those who do not sign a pledge to reject terrorism.” 

The Finance Ministry is also preparing a budget to cover deportation costs and provide funds for Palestinians who will relinquish their right of return.

The Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit Party, led by former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has introduced a bill to the Knesset proposing financial incentives for Gaza residents who want to leave. 

While the ministerial committee for legislation was scheduled to review the bill, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a two-week postponement for the discussion until the required preparations are made.

Ben-Gvir complied with the Prime Minister’s request but insisted on launching an immediate “voluntary migration program” which would facilitate Palestinian deportation. 

He claimed Israel should not have allowed fuel and humanitarian aid into Gaza, alleging that it benefits Hamas. “We cannot always act under pressure,” he said.

In accordance with the bill, any Gaza resident opting to emigrate will receive a financial assistance package determined by the Israeli Ministry of Finance. 

Official figures indicate that 115,000 Palestinians from Gaza have entered Egypt since October 7th.

Other Israeli researchers suggest that at least 1,012,713 Arabs have left Palestine from Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and the Gaza Strip during 1967 and 2024.

In an article published by Walla, researcher Eli Ashkenazi noted that from the end of January 1951, Israel has been involved in a number of plans to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip through both force and material incentives, but these plans have not worked.

Ashkenazi recalled earlier attempts of Israel to resettle refugees in Sinai, which did not materialise, and also mentioned Israel’s failed plans to settle 20,000 Palestinians from Gaza in Libya, as well as the same in Iraq.

Asharq Al-Awsat