Egypt's President el‑Sisi rejects plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza

Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, announced that the Israeli military will undertake operations aimed at removing the remaining Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, which has been under a near‑total blockade since the conflict escalated earlier this year. In a televised briefing, Gallant said the move is intended to eliminate the “human shield” effect that he claims Hamas uses to protect its fighters and infrastructure, and to prevent further attacks on Israeli communities. The statement came after weeks of intensive air and ground strikes that have devastated large parts of Gaza, leaving tens of thousands dead and displacing the majority of its 2.3 million residents.

The pledge has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations and several foreign governments, which warn that a forced displacement could constitute a violation of international law and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis. United Nations officials have called for the protection of civilians and for any military actions to comply with the principles of proportionality and distinction. Israel maintains that its actions are aimed at neutralising Hamas and restoring security, while the international community continues to press for a negotiated ceasefire and the establishment of safe corridors for aid and civilian movement.