A contentious proposal to build a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Gaza has sparked a bitter feud between the Israeli government and military over its cost and impact. The plan, dubbed the “humanitarian city,” aims to relocate up to 600,000 Palestinians into a designated area, with some estimates suggesting it could eventually house the entire population of Gaza.
Criticism from former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has fueled the debate, with him warning that the project would create a “concentration camp” if implemented. The Israeli military and defense minister Israel Katz have pushed back against these claims, arguing that the plan is necessary to maintain stability in the region.
However, opposition within the government and military has grown, with Finance Ministry officials estimating the annual cost of $2.7bn-$4bn, which would burden the state’s budget and divert funds from essential services like schools and hospitals. The plan also faces criticism from human rights groups, who warn that it could exacerbate poverty and inequality in Gaza.
The dispute comes as tensions in the region continue to simmer, with Israel launching strikes across Gaza that have killed at least 31 people. UN agencies are also warning of a humanitarian crisis, citing the risk of shutting down vital services like hospitals, ambulances, and bakeries due to fuel shortages.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/14/israels-military-and-political-leadership-clash-over-proposed-camp-for-palestinians