Israel orders military to prepare Gaza evacuation plan
Ba Thi, VOV correspondent in Egypt -
(VOVWORLD) - Despite strong opposition from the international community, Israeli officials have begun taking concrete steps toward implementing US President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip.
 Palestinian children at a temporary shelter at Al-Yarmouk Stadium in Gaza City, February 5, 2025. (Photo: Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) |
On Wednesday, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that Defense Minister Israel Katz had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to draft a plan for Gaza residents to leave the enclave voluntarily.
The order says the IDF plan must ensure that any Gazan wishing to resettle abroad can do so, provided a host country is available. The plan should also detail establishing a land corridor and prepare logistical measures for departures by sea and air.
Notably, Katz identified Spain, Ireland, and Norway as potential destinations for Gazans seeking relocation. These three European nations have officially recognized an independent Palestinian state, a move that Israel has strongly opposed.
Additionally, he mentioned Canada as a possible host country, citing that Canada has an organizational migration program and had in the past indicated that it is willing to accept Gazan migrants.
Ba Thi, VOV correspondent in Egypt