Israel’s controversial plan to establish a so-called “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza for the forced relocation of 600,000 Palestinians has drawn sharp international condemnation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the UN, Amnesty International, and even former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have spoken out against the proposal, warning it risks escalating civilian suffering and violating international law.

Merz and UN Warn of Forced Displacement

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reiterated his opposition to Israel’s plan to create a closed-off “humanitarian city” in Rafah. In statements to German media, Merz said he had made his dissatisfaction clear in previous conversations with Israeli officials and views the plan as unacceptable. He emphasized that Palestinians deserve a place to live in dignity and stressed the necessity of pursuing a two-state solution through diplomatic means.

The UN's refugee agency UNRWA and Amnesty International have both condemned the proposal as a precursor to mass forced displacement, warning it could amount to a war crime. UK officials echoed these concerns, cautioning that such measures undermine the rights of Palestinians and risk further destabilizing the region.

Israel's 'Humanitarian City' Sparks Outrage

Unveiled by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, the plan envisions relocating Palestinians from across Gaza to a newly built, fenced-off area near Rafah under the guise of humanitarian relief. Israeli officials claim the area would provide aid distribution under international oversight. However, reports suggest residents would undergo stringent security screenings and would not be allowed to leave once inside.

Critics, including Israeli military and intelligence officials, have described the proposal as unrealistic and inhumane, warning it would create a vast, enclosed refugee camp with no viable infrastructure for basic needs like water and electricity. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it a logistical and moral failure, while military officials warned it would damage Israel’s international standing and security.

Olmert: 'A Concentration Camp'

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert condemned the plan in stark terms, labeling it a “concentration camp” in an interview with The Guardian. Olmert warned that forcibly confining Palestinians under such conditions would represent an escalation of Israeli war crimes. He dismissed government claims that the plan aims to protect civilians, calling them “not credible,” and argued it serves to further entrench the occupation and displacement of Palestinians.

Olmert also criticized Israel’s broader conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, accusing officials of orchestrating systematic abuses and expanding settlements at the expense of Palestinian lives and rights.