Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF on January 6 to develop a plan facilitating voluntary emigration from Gaza, following US President Donald Trump's recent proposal to relocate Gaza residents permanently.

US President Donald Trump announced plans for American control and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 4.

During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's White House visit, Trump described Gaza as looking “like hell”. He went on to suggest that its residents would leave if given the opportunity, explicitly stating he was “talking about moving the Palestinians out of Gaza forever.”

“I welcome US President Trump's bold plan,” Katz stated, as quoted by Israel’s N12 television.

“Gaza residents should be allowed to enjoy the freedom of exit and migration as is practised everywhere in the world. Hamas used Gaza residents as human shields and built terror infrastructures in the heart of the population, and is now holding them hostage, extorting money from them using humanitarian aid, and preventing their exit from Gaza.”

The proposed plan would establish multiple exit routes, including land crossings, sea routes, and air transportation. Katz specifically called out countries that have criticised Israel's military operations in Gaza, suggesting they have a legal obligation to accept Gaza residents seeking relocation.

Katz highlighted potential destination countries, noting that Canada, with its established immigration program, had previously expressed interest in accepting Gaza residents. The defence minister envisions the plan as part of a broader strategy for Gaza's reconstruction in what he termed the “post-Hamas era.”

The proposal appears to be packaged as a method to facilitate both voluntary emigration and the eventual reconstruction of a demilitarised Gaza, though implementation details have yet to be revealed.

In addition to potential roadblocks to implementation, the Trump administration may also need to navigate international opposition to successfully implement this daring initiative. 

When questioned about potential US military deployment to fill any security vacuum, Trump left the possibility open, stating: “As far as Gaza is concerned, we'll do what is necessary. If it's necessary, we'll do that.”

“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump explained. “This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent.”

“Look, the Gaza thing has not worked. It's never worked. And I feel very differently about Gaza than a lot of people. I think they should get a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land, and we get some people to put up the money to build it and make it nice and make it habitable and enjoyable,” Trump had previously stated regarding the living conditions of Gazans following the war with Israel.