Israel’s far-right national security minister has unveiled a plan to facilitate the departure of nearly 1.9 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip over seven years, drawing immediate criticism from Palestinians, Arab countries and rights groups over a proposal they say could amount to forced displacement despite being presented as voluntary.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, presented the plan, called “Disengagement 710,” on Thursday as a centerpiece of his party’s campaign ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 parliamentary election.
The proposal calls for about 250,000 Palestinians to leave Gaza during the first year, roughly 1.11 million within three years and 1.86 million within seven years.
With Gaza’s population estimated at roughly 2.1 million, the plan would seek to relocate the vast majority of the territory’s Palestinians.
Ben-Gvir said the initiative would provide Palestinians with a voluntary pathway to leave Gaza, with Israel offering financial and logistical assistance and working with countries willing to receive them.
