Why Israel and the US are pushing to relocate Gazans — and why critics call it ethnic cleansing

Israel Gaza War

Israel and America are quietly advancing negotiations over the resettlement of the Palestinians out of Gaza, presenting the idea as a humane gesture but criticized on the basis that it could violate international law. The idea went mainstream when US President Donald Trump suggested turning Gaza into a tourist destination and sending residents elsewhere. Israeli officials have since been exploring options with countries like Libya, South Sudan, Somaliland, and Syria, although none have seriously shown interest in taking in significant numbers, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Egypt resists relocation threat

Egypt, whose frontier lies alongside Gaza and once controlled the area, has been under the greatest pressure to accept displaced Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula. It is the most logistically feasible option in the eyes of Israeli and US officials. But Cairo has strongly resisted the idea, citing national security concerns and fears of destabilization. Discussions with Israeli interlocutors have been reported to be heated, with shouting matches reflecting how sensitive the plan is.

Humanitarian and legal concerns

Human rights organizations and several governments have criticized the attempts at moving people, arguing that they can amount to forced transfer or ethnic cleansing. International law prohibits the forcible transfers of people except under highly exceptional circumstances, such as in cases of temporary evacuation for reasons of ensuring civilian protection. The critics argue that in battered Gaza, where food is scarce and buildings lie in ruins, the idea of "voluntary" migration is difficult to justify. The United Nations, Malaysia, and Human Rights Watch all objected.

Political backing in Israel

The most outspoken proponents of the plan are Israel's right-wing leaders, though it faces criticism. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have been long-time promoters of convincing Gazans to leave, calling it the most "moral solution." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the proposition with Trump earlier this year and even created a Defense Ministry department to handle exoduses. Authorities claim it would give Palestinians a "better future" and open up Gaza for reconstruction.

The option for Gazans

For most Palestinians in Gaza, it is a tough choice. Based on polls, nearly half would go if they could, particularly young men and families whose economic and health conditions are desperate. But fleeing may translate to irreversible displacement, fuelling fears of elimination and undermining the future of the territory. Brain drain is also a risk, as the most likely to leave are the educated and ambitious ones. Humanitarian groups warn that any exit strategy lacking guaranteed rights of return is exploitative.

Practical barriers remain

Even those wishing to depart are nearly incapable of doing so. Departures are closely controlled, and only the exception of second passports, emergency medical conditions, or rare foreign sponsorships have permitted departure. Those nations listed as potential hosts, such as Libya or South Sudan, are themselves in crisis, making large-scale absorption an unlikely prospect. While some—e.g., students accepted abroad—have been able to escape, most of Gaza's population remains trapped, vulnerable to displacement within the enclave rather than resettlement abroad.