Eight Muslim Majority Nations Condemn Israeli Ministers' Proposals for Gaza Population Removal

Eight Muslim majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Turkey, issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning proposals by Israeli ministers to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The foreign ministers of these countries stated that such plans for forced displacement violate international law and threaten regional stability. They specifically noted that these measures undermine the comprehensive peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which rejects forced displacement.

The controversy follows statements made earlier in the week by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Katz stated that there is no real solution for Gaza without migration and indicated the government was prepared to move the population by sea, air, or other means, pending U.S. approval. Ben Gvir proposed a plan to remove 250,000 Palestinians in the first year, with the remainder of the population removed over the following six years.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied the existence of a forced removal plan. He stated categorically that there is no Israeli plan to remove people against their will, though he suggested that those who wish to leave should have the right to do so.

Reporting on the event varied by political lean. Center left outlets emphasized the potential for these actions to be considered war crimes and highlighted the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict. Center outlets focused on the diplomatic friction between the Israeli ministers and the eight Muslim nations, as well as the contradictions between the ministers' statements and the U.S. ambassador's denials.