Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare a plan enabling any Gaza resident wishing to leave the territory to do so. The plan proposes four countries as potential destinations: Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Canada.
Katz selected these European nations, along with unspecified “others,” due to their recognition of the Palestinian state in mid-May. These countries, he alleged, have “falsely accused Israel” for its actions in Gaza and are therefore “legally obligated to allow Gaza residents to enter their territory.”
Katz further stated that Canada has a “structured immigration program” and has demonstrated a “willingness” to receive Gaza residents. He emphasized the right of Gaza residents to freedom of movement and migration, as is customary worldwide.
Katz criticized Hamas for using the population as “human shields” and for building a “terror infrastructure” near civilian areas, effectively holding them “hostage.” He accused Hamas of “extorting money through humanitarian aid systems” and preventing residents from leaving Gaza.
The IDF plan will allow Gaza residents to leave the territory through “land crossings, as well as by sea and air.” Katz commended former US President Donald Trump’s “courageous initiative” in suggesting Palestinians leave the Gaza Strip, stating it could “create opportunities for those in Gaza who wish to leave, help them settle in countries that receive them, and support efforts to rebuild a demilitarized Gaza that is not a threat after Hamas – an effort that will take many years.”