Israel Pushes Ahead with Forced Displacement Plan in Gaza despite Global Outcry
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Israeli occupation force announced on Saturday that it will begin displacing Palestinian residents from northern Gaza to the south, claiming the move is aimed at “ensuring their safety.”
According to the occupation military, tents and other shelter equipment will be delivered starting Sunday through the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, with the United Nations and relief agencies responsible for transfer after inspection by Israeli officials.
The announcement comes as the Zionist regime prepares a new offensive to seize Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center, a plan that has triggered widespread alarm over the fate of 2.2 million residents already living under devastation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that civilians would be evacuated before the operation into what he called “safe zones,” describing Gaza City as Hamas’ last stronghold.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that the relocation plan would only worsen the crisis, noting that no part of Gaza can be considered safe.
Palestinian officials also denounced the move, saying the south has been repeatedly targeted despite being declared a relocation zone. The resistance group Islamic Jihad described Israel’s announcement as “a brazen mockery of international conventions.”
Residents of Zeitoun and Shejaia on Gaza City’s outskirts reported heavy Israeli bombardment throughout the week, including airstrikes and tank shelling that destroyed homes. On Friday, the military confirmed it had launched an operation in Zeitoun to destroy tunnels, target militants and seize explosives.
Israel’s War Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that plans for the wider offensive were still under formulation.
The Israeli genocidal war has resulted in catastrophic loss. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, with most of the population displaced and facing acute hunger.
Mass protests were expected across Israeli occupied territories on Sunday as settlers demanded a hostage deal and an end to the war. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with Egypt and Qatar still trying to revive a US-backed proposal for a 60-day truce and prisoner exchange.
