Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked controversy by suggesting that Palestinians in Gaza should be allowed to leave, a move critics see as an effort to push residents out amid an intensifying military campaign. The remarks came as Egypt announced it was working towards a two-month ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s comments revived calls for the resettlement of Gazans outside the war-battered territory, which have sparked concern among Palestinians and condemnation from the international community. The Israeli premier defended his policies in a rare interview, saying that allowing Palestinians to leave combat zones would be beneficial.
However, critics argue that this move is part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians, echoing past calls by US President Donald Trump and far-right Israeli ministers. Palestinians view any attempt to push them off their land as recalling the “Nakba”, or catastrophe – the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation in 1948.
Egyptian mediators have been leading talks for a 60-day truce, with Cairo working in full cooperation with Qatar and the US. A senior Hamas delegation was set to meet Egyptian officials on Wednesday to discuss the proposal. The UN-backed experts warn of widespread famine unfolding in Gaza due to Israel’s drastic curtailment of humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu has also faced mounting domestic pressure to secure the release of remaining hostages, including 49 people who were taken captive during the war. His government has not provided an exact timetable on when forces may enter the area, but intensified air strikes have been reported in recent days, resulting in at least 33 deaths.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250813-netanyahu-pushes-for-palestinians-departure-from-gaza-as-egypt-seeks-60-day-truce