Gaza City — Hamas on Sunday condemned Israel’s proposal to relocate residents from Gaza City, warning that such a move would trigger a “new wave of genocide and displacement” for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
The Israeli military had earlier stated that it was preparing to distribute tents and other relief supplies in southern Gaza as part of a plan to move civilians away from combat zones ahead of a new offensive. Officials described the relocation effort as a step “to ensure their safety.”
Hamas, however, denounced the move as a “blatant deception,” claiming it was a cover for what it called “a brutal crime that the occupation forces prepare to execute.”
Israel’s Relocation Strategy
Reports indicate that Israel is considering expanding its military presence in Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps, areas that have drawn mounting criticism both domestically and internationally.
According to a Reuters report, preliminary talks have also taken place between Israel and South Sudan regarding the potential transfer of Palestinians from Gaza to the African nation. Sources familiar with the discussions emphasized that no agreement has been finalized.
Palestinian leaders and international human rights groups have strongly opposed the idea, likening it to the mass displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, remembered by Palestinians as the Nakba or “catastrophe.”
A Conflict With No End in Sight
The war traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault in southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Israeli authorities believe around 20 of the 50 hostages still in Gaza remain alive.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign has claimed the lives of more than 61,000 Palestinians, with millions left at risk of starvation, according to humanitarian monitors.
On Sunday, Gaza’s civil defense service reported that over 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire, including at least 37 people who were waiting in line for food aid at two distribution points.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the war and the safe return of hostages still held in Gaza.
Mounting Global Pressure
The relocation plan has sparked sharp criticism worldwide. International observers warn that moving Gaza’s residents under current conditions could escalate the humanitarian crisis rather than ease it.
For Palestinians, many see the proposal as another forced expulsion—echoing historical traumas of displacement—while for Israel, officials argue it is a security-driven necessity to shield civilians from active battle zones.
As the conflict deepens, the gap between the two narratives highlights not just the continuing violence in Gaza, but also the growing divide over what peace and security mean for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
