Jakarta – Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, has instructed his military to prepare for the “voluntary” departure of Gaza residents. This order comes after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that U.S. troops will not be deployed to Gaza during the process of taking control of the area.
“I have instructed the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) to prepare a plan that allows for the voluntary departure of Gaza residents to any country willing to accept them,” Katz said, as reported by AFP on Friday (February 7, 2025).
Trump has been adamant about relocating Gaza’s population, a plan which has been opposed by many around the world.
Trump previously stated that the U.S. would take control of the Gaza Strip. He promised that no U.S. troops would be required for the process.
“The Gaza Strip will be handed over to the United States by Israel after the fighting ends,” Trump said in a post.
“No U.S. troops will be needed! Stability in the region will be achieved!!!”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the idea as “not intended to be hostile,” while the White House emphasized that there were no commitments to send U.S. troops, and that the relocation of Palestinians would be “temporary.”
Hamas Response
Hamas has also voiced its opposition to Trump’s plan. A spokesperson for Hamas condemned Trump’s statement as “completely unacceptable.”
“Trump’s statement about Washington taking control of Gaza is the same as an open declaration of his intention to occupy the area,” said Hazem Qassem.
“Gaza is for its people, and they will not leave,” Qassem asserted.
