The Israeli government is actively pursuing a policy of voluntary resettlement for Palestinians from Gaza, with discussions underway with various nations, according to a high-ranking official.
The Times of Israel reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is discreetly exploring the acceptance of thousands of Gaza migrants, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being among the countries considered. A senior source in the security cabinet revealed, “Congo will be willing to take in migrants, and we’re in talks with others.”
During a Likud faction meeting, Netanyahu acknowledged his active involvement in arranging voluntary migration for Gazans to other countries, stating, “Our problem is [finding] countries that are willing to absorb Gazans, and we are working on it.”
While Likud Knesset Member Danny Danon claimed that “the world is already discussing the possibilities of voluntary migration,” the international community has largely rejected the idea. The US State Department criticised recent statements by far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir advocating voluntary emigration, calling the rhetoric inflammatory and irresponsible.
These statements have heightened fears in the Arab world that Israel aims to forcibly displace and ethnically cleanse the occupied Palestinian territories. Reports suggest offers for Arab forces or governments to administer Gaza, but Israel’s far-right government leans towards reoccupying the Strip, expelling Palestinians, and resettling the land with Israelis and Jewish settlers.
Despite global calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing 11-week-old war, Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza. The brutal conflict, triggered by Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in response to perceived Israeli attacks, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction.
Palestinian health authorities report over 22,000 deaths, mainly children and women, with thousands more displaced and a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.