Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a controversial plan to evacuate all Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza, including Gaza City. The aim of this plan is to lay siege to Hamas and secure the release of hostages held in the region.
The exact number of Palestinians residing in northern Gaza, particularly in the area north of the Netzarim Corridor, remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands may be affected by this proposal. Notably, the plan does not outline any provisions for the return of civilians to the evacuated areas.
After enduring nearly a year of intense conflict marked by Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, Palestinian residents have shown reluctance to comply with Israeli directives to relocate.
The proposal originates from a group of retired Israeli military generals who have formally presented it to the Israeli cabinet and a parliamentary committee. The strategy involves implementing siege tactics to weaken Hamas forces and compel them to release 101 hostages currently held in the territory.
In a video shared online, retired Israeli military general Giora Eiland, a key proponent of the plan, stated that individuals who evacuate the area will be provided with essential supplies such as food and water. However, he emphasized that within a week, the entire northern Gaza Strip would be designated as military territory, with no incoming supplies permitted.
Recent reports from Israeli national broadcaster Kan suggest that Netanyahu expressed support for the plan during a closed-door meeting with the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, deeming it a logical course of action.
