Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz today ordered the army to prepare a plan to allow the "voluntary withdrawal" of residents from the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported.
The directive came after US President Donald Trump's shock announcement that the United States plans to take control of Gaza, resettle the Palestinians living there and transform the territory into the "Riviera of the Middle East."
"I welcome President Trump's bold plan, the people of Gaza should be given the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is done all over the world," Katz said, according to Israel's Channel 12.
When asked who would accept the Palestinians, Katz said that they should be taken in by countries that opposed Israeli military operations in Gaza.
"Countries such as Spain, Ireland, Norway and others, which have leveled accusations and false allegations against Israel for its actions in Gaza, are legally obligated to allow any Gazan resident to enter their territories," the Israeli minister argued.
Katz's plan will include exit options via land crossings, as well as special arrangements for departures by sea and air, Channel 12 reported.
Source: protothema.gr
