Israel’s plan to displace Gazans is already causing concern among Europeans, who are worried they will have another refugee crisis to face. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was not even chancellor for 24 hours when he said that “Israel is our greatest concern” and stated that Israel must fulfill its obligations under international law.
“And humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip must be provided,” said Merz during an interview with ARD television network.
“We are also following the developments of recent days with great concern,” the 69-year-old Christian Democrat noted. Merz did not deny that Israel “has the right to defend itself” after the brutal attack by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023.
“But Israel must remain a country that fulfills its humanitarian obligations – precisely where this terrible war is now raging in the Gaza Strip,” he also added.
Merz’s sharp criticism of Israel after just winning his chancellorship could just be the early stages of a confrontation between Europe and Israel that has been brewing for some time.
Currently, Israel has completely stopped the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where 2 million Palestinians are living, which has led many international aid organizations to criticize the Israeli actions.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is planning a trip to Israel this weekend to address the issue as well as other topics.
Merz’s statements come on the tail of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who stated that the Gaza Strip will be completely destroyed and the population relocated.
“Within a few months, we will be able to declare victory. Gaza will be completely destroyed,” Smotrich declared, adding that in another six months, Hamas will cease to exist as a “functioning entity.”
According to Czech news outlet Echo24, Smotrich said the entire population of the Gaza Strip will be concentrated south of the Morag Corridor, and the rest of the Gaza Strip will be empty. The Morag Corridor completely separates the areas of the cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah. The Israeli army has declared a buffer zone, about 5 kilometers wide, between the corridor and the Egyptian border.
“The residents of Gaza will be concentrated in the south. They will be completely desperate and will understand that there is no hope, no prospects for them in Gaza. They will seek resettlement to start a new life somewhere else,” Minister Smotrich said, as The Times of Israel reported.
The population transfers as part of the new Israeli offensive were also announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Meloni comes out against Israel
“We’ve blocked everything,” she said in parliament.
She added that her country has the “strictest” rules against weapons for Israel of any EU country. pic.twitter.com/zcEhznQzoA
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Where these Palestinians will go remains unclear, but Israeli officials have already suggested European countries such as Ireland, Greece and Sweden as possible destinations a number of times.
The Israeli security cabinet unanimously approved a plan on Monday night to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. The plan includes, among other things, “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of territory and the transfer of the population of the Gaza Strip to the south for its protection.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began when the Hamas terrorist movement launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. In response, the Israeli army invaded Gaza, and during the subsequent battles and air campaigns, over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed. The vast majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced and now lives in tents.
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