‘Opportunity to leave’: Netanyahu says Palestinians can exit Gaza ahead of military expansion

Netanyahu says Palestinians can exit Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip, as Israel gears up for an expanded military operation in the region. According to AFP, Netanyahu also outlined his government’s intention to establish full control over Gaza.

Speaking to Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the decision would not involve forced displacement but would offer an option for those wishing to depart.

His remarks come amid increasing international concern, with several European countries and Australia expressing alarm over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"Give them the opportunity to leave, first of all, to leave combat zones and generally to leave the territory, if they want,” he said. Netanyahu also drew parallels to refugee movements seen during conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.

Netanyahu stated that Palestinians would be allowed to relocate within Gaza to avoid areas of active combat and would also be given the option to leave the enclave entirely. Israel has historically imposed strict controls over Gaza’s borders, limiting the movement of people in and out.

His comments come as Israel prepares to escalate its military operations in parts of Gaza still outside its control. The conflict, which began after Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel, has already led to the displacement of most of Gaza’s population.

Proposals to relocate Palestinians outside Gaza have faced strong opposition from both Palestinians and the global community, with many viewing them as reminiscent of the 1948 “Nakba,” during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced amid the establishment of Israel.