Gaza, MINA – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has denounced Israel’s plan to relocate the population of Gaza into a so-called “humanitarian city” on the ruins of Rafah, calling it “inhumane” and a violation of human dignity, Anadolu Agency reported.
Tamara Alrifai, UNRWA’s Director of External Relations and Communications, strongly criticized the proposal, which Israeli officials claim would initially host 600,000 people under military control.
“Labeling it a ‘humanitarian city’ is an insult to the very notion of humanity,” Alrifai stated. “There is nothing humanitarian about confining hundreds of thousands of people behind fences and checkpoints under military surveillance.”
The plan reportedly envisions moving all 2.1 million residents of Gaza into a densely populated and heavily monitored zone. Alrifai warned this would create what amounts to an enormous refugee camp along Egypt’s border and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Also Read: Gaza Hospitals Paralyzed by Fuel Crisis
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the military had been instructed to prepare for the relocation and suggested the area would serve as a staging point for emigration from Gaza to other countries.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini echoed Alrifai’s concerns, warning that such a move would force Palestinians into “massive overcrowded camps,” exacerbating generations of displacement. He emphasized that the only sustainable solution lies in achieving a lasting cease-fire, releasing all hostages, ensuring unrestricted humanitarian access, and recommitting to a two-state solution.
The plan comes amid ongoing conflict, where nearly 57,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children have been killed since October 2023. The war has left Gaza devastated, with widespread food shortages and disease outbreaks. []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
Also Read: Israeli Occupation Army Deploys Two Additional Battalions to West Bank
Mina Indonesia
Mina Arabic
Mina Sport