Mon Feb 17 00:27:00 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Advances Trump’s Gaza Expulsion Plan Amidst Tense Ceasefire Negotiations
**JERUSALEM, February 17, 2025** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing forward with a plan, originally proposed by former US President Donald Trump, to relocate the Palestinian population of Gaza. Netanyahu, who described the plan as “the only viable option,” discussed the proposal with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during Rubio’s Middle East visit.
Rubio, echoing Netanyahu’s hardline stance, stated that Hamas “must be eradicated,” further jeopardizing the already fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire’s first phase is set to expire in two weeks, with negotiations on a second phase – involving the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners – yet to begin.
While Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed confidence that the second phase would commence, Netanyahu’s endorsement of the population transfer plan has sparked significant international concern. Human rights groups and critics denounce the plan as coercive, particularly given the extensive destruction in Gaza.
Netanyahu insists the relocation would be voluntary, but this assertion is widely disputed. The plan, which involves redeveloping Gaza under US ownership, is facing significant pushback from Arab leaders, including those in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These nations, along with Egypt and Jordan, have expressed concern about the potential for mass displacement and the violation of international law. Egypt, particularly, fears an influx of Palestinians would destabilize its peace treaty with Israel.
The proposal also comes as the 500th day of the war approaches. While Israel received a shipment of MK-84 munitions from the US – a move that had been previously paused due to civilian casualty concerns – Netanyahu has hinted at resuming hostilities after the current ceasefire phase.
Hamas, having reasserted control over Gaza despite heavy losses, has rejected Netanyahu’s offer of surrender and exile for its leaders, instead proposing a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to administer Gaza.
Rubio’s tour, which is not including meetings with Palestinians, seeks to garner Arab support for the plan and potentially involve Arab troops in combating Hamas. This strategy, however, faces significant resistance from Arab nations who fear domestic backlash and regional instability. These nations have made their support for postwar Gaza reconstruction contingent upon a return to Palestinian governance and a pathway to statehood. Israel, however, remains opposed to both.
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