Israeli Ministers Renew Controversial Gaza Expulsion Proposals

The article reports on a proposed plan to expel the entire Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip. It identifies Ben-Gvir as the figure setting out the plan and characterizes the proposed action as an illegal forced expulsion. The report also notes that Defence Minister Katz has said the proposal has not yet been approved and still requires authorization from the United States. This indicates that the plan, as described, remains subject to political and diplomatic decisions rather than being presented as finalized policy. Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammad Saleh provides the latest developments in the segment, which is presented under the “Jerusalem Daily” news format and within the broader Israel-Palestine conflict coverage. The report is extremely brief and does not provide details about how the proposed expulsion would be carried out, where Palestinians would be sent, what the U.S. approval process would involve, or how Palestinian, Israeli, or international authorities have responded. Its central focus is therefore the existence of the proposal, the allegation that it would constitute forced expulsion, and the stated need for U.S. approval. The article’s wording conveys the seriousness and urgency of a plan affecting Gaza’s entire population while distinguishing between a proposal and an enacted policy.

The article reports that two senior Israeli ministers have renewed calls for the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, raising fears among Palestinians and international observers that Israel may seek to forcibly expel Gaza’s population. The statements come ahead of Israel’s general election on October 27, the first since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which triggered Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza. Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed a seven-year plan for what he called “voluntary emigration” and said the next Israeli government should establish a ministry to oversee it. His Jewish Power party identified Turkey, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo as possible destinations. Defence Minister Israel Katz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, separately said there was no long-term solution for Gaza without “migration,” adding that Israel was prepared to move Palestinians “by sea, by air, by every way possible.” The statements have revived Palestinian fears of another “Nakba,” referring to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation. Palestinians regard Gaza as essential to their aspirations for statehood. Hamas rejected the proposals, saying Palestinians were rooted in their land and would not be intimidated. The article notes that Israel established an office for “voluntary emigration” in 2025 after then-U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Gazans could be permanently displaced. Trump later retreated from the idea after strong opposition from Arab states and the international community. Netanyahu has expressed support for voluntary emigration but has dismissed far-right ambitions to rebuild Jewish settlements in Gaza as unrealistic. Israeli officials deny plans to forcibly transfer Gaza’s population. The report also provides casualty figures and details genocide allegations against Israel. A U.N. inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, while Israel rejects the accusation and says its campaign targets Hamas. Palestinians interviewed in a displacement camp described the ministers’ statements as an election tactic and insisted they would not leave their homeland.

The article reports that Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed removing all approximately two million Palestinians from Gaza and relocating them to foreign countries over seven years. Under the plan, 250,000 people would reportedly be transferred during the first year, with the remainder moved over the following six years. Ben-Gvir described the proposal as realistic and claimed that some countries were prepared to accept Palestinians, although no country has publicly agreed to participate. Arab states have repeatedly rejected forced-displacement proposals involving Gazans. The article emphasizes that the forced transfer of civilians from occupied territory is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions and can constitute a war crime. Israeli human-rights organization Adalah condemned the proposal as illegal, inhuman, and potentially part of crimes against humanity. The group also argued that the proposal should be viewed within a broader pattern of displacement and alleged violations in Gaza. Ben-Gvir’s proposal follows comments by Defence Minister Israel Katz that plans to expel Gazans by “any means” remained under discussion, although they had reportedly been frozen by US President Donald Trump. The proposal has drawn criticism from US lawmakers Chris van Hollen and Greg Landsman, while Israeli outlet Ynet said it had already failed because no country appeared willing to accept Gazans on a significant scale. The article also cites a poll in which 82 per cent of Israeli respondents supported expelling Gaza’s residents, suggesting substantial domestic backing. Israel is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on October 27, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking another term. Despite US backing for a ceasefire and reconstruction framework, Israeli bombing reportedly continues, and Netanyahu has said Israel will not withdraw from Gaza and currently controls 60 per cent of the strip.