Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition partners have renewed demands for the mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza, according to Reuters. The statements come as Israel prepares for an upcoming election cycle, with far-right allies using the campaign period to push the proposal.
Reuters reports that the renewed calls have triggered swift backlash beyond the region. Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority nations issued a joint condemnation of the Israeli ministers’ remarks, as detailed by Dawn. The countries described the statements as inflammatory and a threat to regional stability.
The debate over Gaza’s future has intensified in recent days. Israel’s defence minister confirmed that the government still seeks to remove Palestinians from the territory, according to Al Jazeera. That position, however, has been publicly contradicted by the United States. The US ambassador to Israel stated there is no plan to force Palestinians out of Gaza, Reuters noted.
