Israel’s Smotrich calls to ‘immediately start’ implementing Trump's Gaza displacement plan

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich yesterday called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to present US President Donald Trump’s plan to “ethnically cleanse” Gazans to the ministerial cabinet for approval and “immediate implementation”, Israel’s Channel 12 reported.

According to the channel, Smotrich told a party meeting that Israel should “quickly prepare to move forward with the plan” after implementing the first phase of the prisoner swap deal with Hamas.

On Sunday, Trump told Fox News that he is committed to “buying and owning” Gaza, indicating that he may give parts of it to other countries in the Middle East to build.

Trump claimed that he will turn Gaza into a good site for future development, and “I will take care of the Palestinians and make sure they are not killed.” Asked if Palestinians would be able to return to Gaza once it is rebuilt, Trump said “no”.

Trump’s statements came as talks regarding the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire are taking place in the Qatari capital, Doha, and a day after the Israeli army completely withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic area that separates northern Gaza from its south.

READ: Hamas delays Israeli captive release following Israel’s violations of ceasefire deal