Netanyahu says he is personally working to ‘relocate’ Palestinians from Gaza, in talks with potential host countries

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he is personally working to facilitate the departure of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and is holding discussions with countries that could potentially receive them, while reaffirming Israel’s intention to maintain military control over more than 60 percent of the territory.

In an interview with the right-wing Israeli outlet Channel 7, ahead of the 27th October Knesset elections, Netanyahu said his government was actively exploring arrangements for Palestinians to leave Gaza.

“Every Palestinian in Gaza should have the freedom to leave,” Netanyahu said, identifying the main obstacle as finding countries willing to accept them.

“We are working on this; I am personally working on it quite diligently. There are some initial developments, though I do not wish to go into the details,” he added.

Netanyahu did not identify the countries involved in the discussions or provide information about the progress of negotiations. He also did not indicate whether any country had agreed to receive Palestinians from Gaza.

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The Israeli prime minister claimed that approximately 150,000 Palestinians had left Gaza during the war and suggested that at least 60 percent of the territory’s population would leave if given the opportunity.

However, he provided no supporting data for those estimates.

Netanyahu also reiterated that Israel intends to retain military control over more than 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, signalling that his government does not plan to withdraw from areas currently held by Israeli forces.

His remarks follow previous proposals by members of the Israeli government to relocate Palestinians outside Gaza, plans that have faced strong opposition from Palestinian leaders and Arab governments.

Critics have warned that such initiatives could lead to the permanent displacement of Palestinians, particularly given the widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and essential services during Israel’s military offensive since October 2023.

The proposals have also raised concerns that the severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza could undermine the ability of Palestinians to make genuinely voluntary decisions about leaving the territory.

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