Gantz tells Gaza envelope settlers they may not return home for a year

Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has reportedly told residents of settlements near Gaza that it is possible they might not be able to return to their homes for a year, Israel’s Channel 12 reported yesterday.

According to the channel, Gantz told residents of Zikim and Netiv Haasara who were evacuated in the aftermath of the surprise infiltration by Palestinian resistance forces on 7 October, that it is possible they will continue to live in hotels for three months before being transferred to alternative housing near the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Last week, Gantz said during an Israeli cabinet meeting with US President Joe Biden that “the process of dismantling Hamas and changing the reality in Gaza will be long and may take years.”

Israel has completely evacuated all residents of the Gaza envelope and the city of Sderot and areas in the city of Ashkelon. Israel has also evacuated residents of settlements near the border with Lebanon for fear of a new front opening with Hezbollah.

READ: 70% of Gaza population displaced by Israeli bombardment: Government