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Ben-Gvir presses expulsion
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vowed to continue pushing for the expulsion of Gaza Strip residents, saying in a post on his X account: «I will not retreat, I will not stop, and I will continue to advance the 710 separation plan that will forcibly relocate all Gaza residents».
“«I will not retreat, I will not stop, and I will continue to advance the 710 separation plan”
Ben-Gvir said the plan aims to relocate about 1.86 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip over seven years, including expelling 250,000 Palestinians from Gaza in the first year and about 1.11 million within three years.
The plan, described as “Disconnection 710,” also sets twelve principles, including that each exit be backed by a host country and that an individual case file be opened for each case.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem denounced the proposal, saying it shows Israel has not renounced expansion and control intentions and instead seeks to promote them “further its political and electoral interests.”
Katz links it to US
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel is waiting for U.S. approval to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, resurfacing a plan described as forced displacement and ethnic cleansing.
Katz told a news conference hosted by Israeli news site Ynet and newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that Israel is ready to facilitate what has been described as "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians in Gaza "by any means."
CBC News reported that Yedioth Ahronoth said Itamar Ben-Gvir would unveil the plan dubbed "Disengagement 710" to remove Palestinians over the span of seven years as part of his campaign in October's legislative elections.
In response to the idea of moving or forcibly relocating Palestinians, the UN experts warned that it would violate international law, saying: "It is manifestly illegal to invade and annex foreign territory by force".
Gaza residents reject it
Palestinians in Gaza have mostly rejected the idea, fearing it will result in their forced expulsion, and CBC News quoted Umm Yusuf Shabat saying: "We were born and raised in Gaza, we will die and be buried in Gaza."
“"We were born and raised in Gaza, we will die and be buried in Gaza"”
Shabat told a freelance videographer with CBC News in the legislative district west of Gaza City, adding: "There is no immigration by any means. It is enough, the displacement we went through."
Muhammad Abu Jibbeh, 39, said he refuses to leave, telling CBC News: "Ultimately, this is our homeland … we are going to remain steadfast and we will not leave our land and we utterly reject the idea of leaving the country or migrating".
CBC News also reported that Abdul Rahman Al-Turk, 28, said he has been displaced seven times within Gaza since the war began in October 2023, and he told CBC News: "We are tired. When we have the first chance to leave the country, we will take it."