Jerusalem: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right leader of the movement, stated on Saturday that there is progress in US President Donald Trump's plan to evacuate the residents of the Gaza Strip. "I hope that the process will begin in the coming weeks, even if it will be slow," Trump told Israel's Channel 12.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Smotrich mentioned that preparations have already started, with coordination between his team and the president's team. He highlighted two essential elements for the plan's execution: identifying countries willing to absorb the displaced residents and managing the significant logistical challenge of relocating a large population from Gaza.
When asked about the feasibility of the plan, Smotrich expressed confidence, stating, "Absolutely." He further noted his belief that the majority of the Gaza residents would participate in the relocation process.
The plan suggests that the United States would assume administrative control over the Gaza Strip and focus on economic development after the relocation of Palestinians. However, this proposal has intensified existing fears among Palestinians about permanent displacement and has been criticized by human rights advocates and the United Nations as a form of ethnic cleansing.