Israeli media has uncovered government-backed plans to forcibly displace around 600,000 Palestinians from Gaza into what it calls a “humanitarian city” near Khan Younis, deepening international concerns over mass transfer policies and potential war crimes.

According to Israel’s public broadcasting authority, the first phase of the plan involves relocating residents already displaced to the Al-Mawasi area and moving them into a fenced-off zone described as “temporary” but under heavy security. Residents would be subjected to strict screening and barred from leaving, effectively confining them indefinitely.

This move, which bypasses UN oversight, aligns with ongoing Israeli strategies to clear key areas of Gaza, including northern and eastern districts of Gaza City, and parts of Khan Younis. Analysts say the effort seeks to prevent the return of displaced populations, as seen in the near-total destruction of Jabalia camp.

"A City with No Exit"

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly approved the construction of four additional aid distribution centers south of the Morag Axis in Rafah, all intended to serve the displaced population confined to the zone.

In an interview with Israeli media, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said, “Whoever enters this area will not be allowed to leave,” adding that aid delivery will be delegated to unspecified international partners, with no Israeli responsibility assumed.

Since May 27, the Israeli military has been executing this plan with daily demolitions and shootings near aid centers, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Over 5,000 people have been wounded near these zones, many of them while seeking food.

Escalating Military Operations and Land Seizures

The displacement initiative is unfolding amid escalating military operations. The Israeli army continues to demolish buildings and clear strategic vantage points, particularly in northern and eastern Gaza. Nearly 70% of Gaza’s land is now either under direct Israeli military control or designated for evacuation, according to UNRWA data cited by the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs.

Satellite imagery and field reports show increased leveling of homes and road networks, deepening what observers describe as an attempt to erase the urban and communal fabric of Gaza.

Legal and Humanitarian Alarms

International law experts and rights organizations warn that this policy constitutes forcible transfer of civilians, a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The absence of voluntary return options and the indefinite confinement of civilians raise concerns over ethnic cleansing and population engineering.

Palestinian sources told Al Jazeera that the plan also mirrors earlier efforts in Jabalia, where mass destruction rendered the area uninhabitable, precluding the return of its residents. “This is not a temporary relocation—it’s strategic erasure,” said one unnamed official.

Background: War Since October 7

The revelations come as the war on Gaza—launched after the Hamas-led October 7 attacks—continues into its tenth month. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 194,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded, with hundreds of thousands more displaced, and thousands still missing.

Despite repeated international warnings and an International Court of Justice order to halt mass displacement, Israeli operations have accelerated, with continued U.S. backing.