Palestinians looks at smoke billowing from Israeli strikes on a makeshift displacement camp in central Gaza City. AFP
On Saturday, Israel’s cabinet approved the creation of a new directorate under the Israeli Ministry of Defence tasked with facilitating the so-called “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza.
In its statement, the Israeli Ministry of Defense said: "The directorate would focus on enabling the safe and controlled movement of Gaza residents to third countries."
"This would include securing their passage, establishing travel routes, managing pedestrian checks at designated crossings, and coordinating the necessary infrastructure for departure by land, sea, and air."
In response, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed the baselessness of the so-called “voluntary departure,” which the Israeli side claims is the purpose of this agency.
It also emphasized that any departure taking place under conditions of bombardment and war—amid policies that obstruct humanitarian aid and weaponize starvation—amounts to forced displacement, a criminal act, and a clear violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
In this context, Egypt called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take a firm stand against these ongoing Israeli violations and provocations.
It also urged them to act with the seriousness and resolve required to enforce the resolutions of international legitimacy and restore the rights of the Palestinian people—foremost among them, the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Israeli announcement today comes amid a vicious campaign of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since Tuesday, which killed more than 750 Palestinians—including 61 in just the past 24 hours—according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
This brought up the Palestinian death toll to over 50,082 Palestinians and 113,408 injured since the start of Israel's genocidal war on the strip.
In tandem, Israel has blocked all aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip since 2 March— effectively driving the 2.4 million population to the abyss of famine and starvation again.
On 15 March, Tel Aviv unilaterally ended the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States and largely in effect since 19 January, resuming its genocidal war on the strip.
The Israeli side say they want Hamas to release all living and dead captives immediately instead of their release throughout the second phase of the ceasefire deal as agreed upon on 17 January.
Late last week, In response to the renewed Israeli war on the strip, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the Israeli aggression as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and warned of its serious implications for regional stability.
He emphasized that Israel’s actions are reigniting tensions and obstructing de-escalation efforts aimed at restoring calm.
Egypt has consistently and unequivocally rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians from their homeland since the start of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza on 7 October 2023, including the recently proposed plan by US President Donald Trump to expel Palestinians from the Strip and build a Middle East Riviera.
It has also repeatedly emphasized the urgent need to uphold the ceasefire, prevent further bloodshed, and pave the way for early recovery in Gaza.
On Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza, secure the release of Israeli captives, and restore a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
During the conversation, Witkoff commended Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting regional stability and its coordination with Qatar in mediating ceasefire negotiations.
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