Israel is working on creating a migration administration under the Defence Ministry to facilitate the relocation of Palestinian residents from the Gaza Strip, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced. Speaking at a conference organized by the pro-settler “Land of Israel Caucus” in parliament, Smotrich stated that preparations were already underway to implement the relocation plan, which could see up to 10,000 people moved daily. If executed at this pace, it would take approximately six months to relocate Gaza’s entire population of about two million people.
The relocation initiative aligns with former US President Donald Trump’s highly controversial “Gaza Riviera” proposal. The plan, first introduced in early February, suggests that the United States take control of Gaza, relocate its residents, and transform the territory into a business and tourism hub resembling a Middle Eastern resort destination. Trump previously stated that he believes the US should “have Gaza,” asserting that Washington has the authority to manage and develop the area into a commercial and tourism zone. During a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, he said, “We’re going to have it, we’re going to keep it, and we’re going to make sure there’s going to be peace, and there’s not going to be any problem.” He also suggested that Gaza could be developed into a location filled with luxury properties, resorts, and office buildings.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior Israeli ministers have expressed support for the plan, it has been widely rejected by the international community, particularly by Arab nations. Critics argue that forcibly displacing Gaza’s residents would constitute a severe violation of international law and human rights. To counter the forced relocation plan, Arab leaders have approved an alternative strategy focused on reconstruction rather than displacement. On Tuesday, Arab nations endorsed a $53 billion reconstruction plan, proposed by Egypt, aimed at rebuilding Gaza without expelling its population. The initiative highlights the significant opposition to Israel’s proposed migration administration and Trump’s relocation blueprint.
Arab leaders have strongly condemned the idea of forcibly removing Palestinians from their homeland, emphasizing that any future solution should focus on rebuilding Gaza and ensuring the rights of its people rather than uprooting them. Countries in the region have also voiced concerns about the humanitarian consequences of such a mass displacement, warning that it could destabilize the broader Middle East. Despite ongoing efforts to establish the migration administration, the practical implementation of such a large-scale relocation remains uncertain. Smotrich indicated that discussions were underway with the US administration to determine potential host countries for the displaced Gazans. However, no specific nations have publicly agreed to accept relocated Palestinians, further complicating the execution of the plan.
Human rights organizations and international bodies, including the United Nations, have warned against any forced displacement of Palestinians. They argue that such measures could lead to further instability in the region and potentially violate international humanitarian law. Critics have also pointed out that rather than addressing the root causes of the Gaza crisis, forced relocation could exacerbate tensions and prolong conflict. The Israeli government’s push for a migration administration marks a significant shift in its approach to the Gaza crisis. While the plan enjoys support from Netanyahu’s government and some far-right leaders, it faces substantial opposition both domestically and internationally. With growing resistance from regional powers, humanitarian organizations, and foreign governments, the feasibility of the relocation effort remains highly uncertain.
As Israel moves forward with its migration administration plans, the international community will closely watch how the situation unfolds. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Israel proceeds with the relocation initiative or whether global opposition forces a reconsideration of the strategy.