Benjamin Netanyahu considering mass clearance of northern Gaza

Palestinians walk through a market in the Jabalia refugee camp. Between 300,000 and 500,000 people are living in northern Gaza, the UN says. Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock

Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a plan to force Palestinian civilians out of northern Gaza and put Hamas militants who remain in the area under siege in order to force the release of hostages.

The plan, published by retired military commanders and floated by some parliament members this month, calls for the area to be declared “a closed military zone” after civilians have been told to leave.