Israel opens new office for voluntary departure of Gazans
Last Updated on February 20, 2025 5:51 am
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the establishment of a new government agency to facilitate the “voluntary departure” of Palestinian residents of the besieged Gaza Strip, the country’s Defense Ministry said on Monday (February 17).
The Chinese news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday (February 18).
The Defense Ministry said the agency, which will be composed of representatives from various government ministries and security agencies, will be headed by the Defense Ministry. The agency will be “dedicated to facilitating” the departure process for Gazans.
The statement added that the plan would provide an assistance package for any Gazan who wishes to voluntarily emigrate to a third country. It includes special departure arrangements by sea, air and land.
The decision was made after a meeting of Israeli security officials on Monday.
Trump recently proposed, in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to redevelop the territory by evicting more than two million Palestinians from Gaza. The plan has drawn global condemnation and sparked a strong reaction in the Arab and Muslim world.