Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz briefed reporters about his plan to relocate around 600,000 displaced Palestinians in Gaza into a sealed-off zone, according to media reports. Katz stated that the entire population of over 2 million Palestinians would eventually be moved into this zone, which he reportedly described as a “humanitarian city.”
Although Germany and Austria are among Israel’s strong European allies, it is uncertain if their criticisms will influence Israeli government decisions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar supported Katz’s plan, asserting that the zone aims to protect civilians and ruled out expelling Palestinians from Gaza. “Everything, including this proposal, is within international law and involves relocating the population for their safety from active conflict areas,” he stated.
Sa’ar mentioned that a ceasefire agreement and the liberation of Israeli hostages in Gaza are “achievable” with ongoing negotiations in Doha. “Upon achieving a temporary ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire will be negotiated,” he added.
Austrian and German foreign ministers also expressed hope for a ceasefire, with Meinl-Reisinger highlighting the talks as a “historic chance” and a “window of opportunity” for regional peace and stability.
The foreign ministers announced a new meeting format called the Vienna Trilogue and plan to meet again soon in Berlin.
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