Context:

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has proposed relocating Gaza's population to a 'humanitarian city' in Rafah, aiming to house up to 2.1 million Palestinians and screen them for Hamas affiliations. This plan has been criticized as a potential crime against humanity, with concerns over forced displacement akin to ethnic cleansing, echoed by Israeli human rights lawyer Michael Sfard and the UN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump discussed a broader vision for Gaza's future, involving resettlement and cooperation with surrounding countries, though Trump's plan faces opposition from Arab states supporting an Egyptian reconstruction initiative. The conflict has already resulted in over 57,500 deaths in Gaza, with widespread destruction and systemic collapse in essential services, following Israel's military campaign against Hamas after a severe cross-border attack. Palestinians fear a repeat of historical displacement, reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba, as they continue to face dire humanitarian conditions in a region with a significant refugee population dating back decades.

Dive Deeper:

• Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the military to prepare a plan to relocate Gaza's population to a new camp in Rafah, initially for 600,000 people, ultimately accommodating all 2.1 million residents. This plan includes security screenings to identify Hamas operatives and restricts movement out of the camp.

• The proposal has been condemned by some as an operational plan for crimes against humanity, with human rights lawyer Michael Sfard and the UN warning that forced transfers are prohibited under international law and are tantamount to ethnic cleansing.

• In parallel discussions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump have explored a vision for post-war Gaza involving permanent resettlement, emphasizing free choice for Palestinians to stay or leave, while seeking cooperation from neighboring countries.

• Arab states have proposed a $53 billion Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, opposing any form of Palestinian displacement and viewing such actions as violations of international law, which the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have supported despite US and Israeli criticisms.

• The ongoing conflict, triggered by a significant Hamas cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in massive casualties and destruction in Gaza, with over 57,500 deaths, widespread displacement, and systemic failures in healthcare, sanitation, and other critical services.

• Historical context adds to Palestinian fears, as many recall the Nakba of 1948 when large numbers of Palestinians were displaced, with refugees and their descendants now forming the majority in Gaza and substantial populations in the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

• The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by severe damage to infrastructure, with more than 90% of homes affected and shortages in essential supplies, exacerbating the already dire living conditions for the displaced population.