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Israel: Ben-Gvir’s party proposes bill for ‘voluntary migration’ of Gaza’s residents

February 5, 2025 at 11:23 am

Israeli far-right lawmaker and leader of the Otzma Yehudit party Itamar Ben-Gvir (R), accompanied by his wife Ayala. [GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images]

Israel’s far-right Otzma Yehudit Party, led by former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has submitted a controversial bill proposing to “encourage voluntary migration” of Palestinians from Gaza Strip, Ynet reported yesterday.

The bill comes within Israel’s plans to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

It argues that ​​establishing another Palestinian state, in the areas of the entire Land of Israel, means eliminating the State of Israel and refers to Jordan as the land of a future Palestinian state.

The bill also claims that it aims to “encourage the voluntary departure of Gaza Strip residents”, adding that Palestinians who choose to voluntarily leave will be required to sign a pledge not to return on behalf of themselves and their children, and in return will receive an economic aid package determined by the finance minister in consultation with the defence minister.

According to the bill, the “aid package” will not be granted to those convicted of involvement in armed struggle or who had been arrested on such suspicion.

“If a Gaza resident requests to return to the Strip, even if he was a minor when he left the Strip, he will be required to return double the aid package in addition to the cost of living and interests, and to emphasise that as long as he/ she does not meet this, he will not be allowed to enter the Gaza Strip, [the occupied West Bank], and the State of Israel,” the bill adds.

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