Egypt Daily News – Israeli media reported that Defense Minister Yisrael Katz ordered the army on Thursday to prepare a plan that would allow for the “voluntary exit” of Gaza residents from the Strip.
This comes after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States plans to take control of Gaza, resettle Palestinians elsewhere and turn the strip into the “Riviera of the Middle East.
Channel 12 quoted quoted Katz as saying, “I welcome President Trump’s bold plan, and Gaza residents must be allowed the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is the case throughout the world.” Asked who would receive the Palestinians, Katz said it should be countries that opposed Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
“Countries like Spain, Ireland, Norway and others that have made false accusations and allegations against Israel for its actions in Gaza are legally obligated to allow any resident of Gaza to enter their territories,” he added.
Channel 12 reported reported that Katz’s plan will include exit options through land crossings, in addition to special arrangements for departure by sea and air.
Trump was heavily criticized on Wednesday for his Gaza plan from world powers Russia, China and Germany, who said it would lead to “new suffering and new hatred.”
Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia has categorically rejected the proposal, and Jordan’s King Abdullah said yesterday that he rejects any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians. King Abdullah will meet with Trump at the White House next week.
However Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that Trump’s proposal was “fantastic” and urged that it be studied, even if he did not specify what he thought Trump was proposing.
