The Arab League has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel's proposal to relocate Gaza's population to a southern "humanitarian city," calling it a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict. In a Tuesday statement, the pan-Arab body accused Israel of planning "ethnic cleansing" and attempting to justify reoccupation through what it described as an "inhumane scheme."
Controversial Relocation Plan
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal would initially move 600,000 Palestinians from al-Mawasi to Rafah within 60 days of a ceasefire, eventually concentrating Gaza's entire population of over 2 million in the southern area. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert likened the plan to creating a "concentration camp" in comments to The Guardian, warning it could enable mass displacement.
UN Documents Aid Point Violence
The condemnation comes as the UN Human Rights Office reported at least 875 fatalities at Gaza aid distribution sites over six weeks. Most deaths occurred near facilities operated by the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which Israel authorized to bypass UN channels it claims are compromised by Hamas. UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan defended the findings as "based on reliable sources," while the GHF denied responsibility for casualties.
Ceasefire Talks Continue in Doha
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas remain engaged in U.S.-mediated talks in Qatar, discussing a proposed 60-day truce that would include hostage releases and partial Israeli troop withdrawals. While U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about progress, significant disagreements persist over the scope of Israel's eventual military withdrawal from Gaza.
