Netanyahu Orders IDF To Seize 70% Of Gaza As Israel Katz Pushes Palestinian Removal

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said the government would implement a plan for large numbers of Palestinians to leave Gaza “at the right time and in the right manner,” while the Daily Kos reported that Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli army to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, threatening to “torpedo an already fragile ceasefire.”

“Now can we call it genocide”

Daily Kos

The Daily Kos said the US-brokered ceasefire in October left Israel with direct control of 53% of the occupied territory after the Israeli army withdrew to a demarcation line.

Daily Kos

The Daily Kos also said Israeli forces have continued to open fire on Palestinians within range of the “yellow line” and carry out airstrikes deeper inside western Gaza, killing more than 900 Palestinians since the truce began.

In parallel, Middle East Eye reported that Katz advanced plans to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip through “voluntary emigration,” and said Israel’s security cabinet approved a proposal by Katz in March to establish a directorate to facilitate “migration” from the enclave.

While Israeli officials framed removal plans as “voluntary emigration,” the Guardian reported that Israel Katz said he is committed to the ethnic cleansing of Gaza through large-scale migration of Palestinians and would implement the departure plan “at the right time and in the right manner.”

The Guardian also quoted the Association for Civil Rights in Israel warning that “Creating living conditions that do not allow for survival, freedom and dignity” until civilians “say they want to leave” is not a plan for “encouraging voluntary emigration.”

Middle East Eye

Vatican News reported that the Churches of Jerusalem opposed the plan to relocate Gazans, with a signed statement saying the proposed mass displacement is “an injustice that strikes at the very heart of human dignity.”

Vatican News added that the church leaders demanded “No to Forced Exile,” writing that “The inhabitants of Gaza, families who have lived for generations on the land of their ancestors, must not be forced into exile.”

As the war continues after the October ceasefire, Middle East Eye said air strikes and shelling are ongoing, with more than 800 people killed since the ceasefire, and that Israel has killed more than 72,700 people since October 2023 with more than 172,000 others wounded.

“Israeli defence minister insists there are 'voluntary emigration' plans for Gaza Israel's defence minister has advanced plans to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip through "voluntary emigration"”

Middle East Eye

Revolution Permanente said Israel’s offensive includes “the deliberate aggravation of famine” and the construction of a new military corridor in Khan Younès inaugurated on July 16 to isolate populations for forcible displacement.

Revolution Permanente also cited the World Food Programme estimate that “one in three residents goes several days without eating,” and said the Gaza government media office reported “more than 650,000 children under five are currently at risk of famine.”

France Palestine Solidarité demanded “Full and unrestricted access to Gaza for humanitarian aid, international NGOs, international press,” and called for “the immediate halt to bombardments and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.”