The move has caused alarm among humanitarian organisations, but ministers insist it complies with international law

Joshua Marks, Jewish News Syndicate, March 23, 2025

Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved Defence Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to establish a new directorate within the ministry to facilitate the “voluntary emigration” out of the Gaza Strip.

The newly formed directorate is tasked with overseeing the “safe and controlled passage of Gaza residents for their voluntary departure,” according to a statement from Katz’s office.

This includes managing logistics such as securing movement routes, processing individuals at designated crossings, and coordinating the necessary infrastructure to support travel by land, sea and air.

The push for emigration, long favoured by the Israeli far-right, has gained new prominence following US President Trump’s suggestion that Washington would “take over” Gaza and displace its population – whether this would be temporary or permanent was left ambiguous.

Humanitarian groups and several Arab nations, including US-allied Saudi Arabia, have claimed that the relocation of Gazans would be illegal and would amount to ethnic cleansing.

But Katz insisted that the initiative aligns with international law, saying: “We are working with all means to implement the US President’s vision, and we will allow any Gaza resident who wants to move to a third state to do so.”

The head of the new directorate is expected to be appointed soon, as confirmed by Katz’s office.

It comes after far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently indicated that Jerusalem is actively developing a large-scale emigration plan for Palestinians in Gaza, in coordination with Washington. Smotrich noted that the plan involves identifying potential destination countries, understanding their interests and fostering cooperation.

He also outlined a proposed timeline, suggesting that relocating 10,000 people daily could see the process completed within six months, and said that financial constraints would not hinder the effort, despite its logistical complexity.

The move also follows Katz’s own revelation that he would be instructing the IDF to seize more territory in Gaza.

The Defence Minister suggested that Israel could permanently occupy parts of the territory if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages soon, saying: “The more Hamas continues its refusal, the more territory it will lose, which will be annexed to Israel.”