Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a leaked document has caused a major uproar. The document reveals that Israel allegedly intends to relocate the people of Gaza to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. According to the leaked 10-page document, which was reportedly prepared by Israel’s Ministry of Intelligence a week after the Hamas attack, the plan involves instructing the residents of northern Gaza to move to the southern part of the region as a ground offensive begins. The document further suggests establishing tent settlements and cities in northern Sinai to accommodate the Palestinians.
The leaked document was first published on Mekomit, a Hebrew website, and was later shared by Wikileaks. It is believed that such a plan could not have been devised without the knowledge of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Netanyahu’s office has denied any involvement or knowledge of the alleged document.
The potential relocation plan has raised concerns among Palestinians, who fear that it is an attempt by Israel to occupy Gaza and forcefully expel its residents. Nabil Abu Rudaineh, spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed opposition to the plan, stating that Palestinians will not allow their displacement to happen again, referring to the exodus of Palestinians during the formation of Israel in 1948.
The fate of Gaza’s residents has long been a contentious issue. During the 1948 war, approximately 700,000 Palestinians were forced to leave their homes in what is now modern-day Israel. This event, known as “Nakba” or catastrophe, resulted in Palestinians becoming refugees, hoping to eventually return to their homes once peace was achieved. However, Israel has not allowed their return, and the Palestinian refugee population has grown to six million, residing in refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and within Gaza itself.
The suspected motive behind the Israeli army’s plan is to confine the entire Palestinian population to southern Gaza by dividing the region into northern and southern parts. This strategy aims to weaken Hamas, which has its major centers in northern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) likely intend to eliminate Hamas completely. The war has already forced around 800,000 people out of northern Gaza into the southern part. If Netanyahu’s alleged Sinai plan is implemented, it could potentially spark anger among Arab countries.
The controversy surrounding the leaked document highlights the tensions and complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The response from various stakeholders will be crucial in determining the future of Gaza’s residents and the prospects for peace in the region.
