Conditions in Gaza have been described as “dangerous” in Gaza as a storm hits the enclave [Getty]
An Israeli delegation will visit Doha on Saturday to finalise the completion of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Israeli media reported on Thursday.
The delegation will focus solely on the initial phase of the agreement, with discussions on the second phase set to take place after the political-security cabinet reviews US President Donald Trump‘s plan.
Trump said this week he had wanted Washinton to “own” Gaza and that Palestinians “would love” to leave the enclave, adding that he would like to resettle the population “permanently”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has an arrest warrant against him for war crimes in Gaza by the International Criminal Court, hailed Trump’s plan calling it “remarkable” in an interview with Fox News.
The plan has triggered widespread backlash from Palestinians and countries around the world, who lambasted it as ethnic cleansing.
When quizzed about Trump’s plan, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the Pentagon was considering all options when it comes to Gaza.
“I will say, regarding Gaza, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again,” he said. “The president is prepared to think outside the box and look for new, unique dynamic ways to solve problems that have seemed intractable. We are prepared to consider all options.”
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz also ordered the army on Thursday to prepare a plan that would see the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza, Israeli media reported, which Palestinians have said is akin to forced expulsion.
“I welcome President Trump’s bold plan, Gaza residents should be allowed the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is the norm around the world,” Katz was quoted as saying by Israel’s Channel 12.
Asked about what would happen to Palestinian populations who leave Gaza, he added countries who have expressed outrage at Israel’s actions should absorb them.
“Countries like Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others, which have levelled accusations and false claims against Israel over its actions in Gaza, are legally obligated to allow any Gaza resident to enter their territories,” he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who supported Trump’s plan, saying that it was “not meant as a hostile move” but rather an offer to rebuild Gaza so “people can move back in”.
In Gaza, UN children’s aid organisation UNICEF has warned that the situation in Gaza is now “dangerous” as stormy conditions have hit the enclave while many are still sleeping out in the open without shelter.
Tess Ingram, the group’s communication spokesperson said she was concerned over the well-being of children amid the harsh weather.
“We’ve had a number of children in Gaza die of hypothermia. It’s clear that when you meet with families, they don’t have what they need to protect [themselves],” she told Al Jazeera.
Her comments come as Palestinian health authorities in Gaza have repeatedly highlighted that Israelis restricting vital aid from coming into Gaza, including equipment to remove debris and materials for tents.
Ingram noted that there were “immense” needs in Gaza and “needs are far greater” than what was being delivered.
“The main things that people are asking me for are tents, tarpaulin and water. The water system has been decimated, and people are really struggling to find safe water to drink,” she continued.
West Bank raids intensify
Meanwhile, Israeli raids on the occupied West Bank city of Jenin continued for the 17th day, with at least 25 Palestinians killed since it started, the Wafa news agency reported.
The offensive has interrupted essential services such as water tanks, hospitals, and schools while tens of thousands have been displaced.
Al Jazeera further reported that families have been afraid to bury their dead due to Israeli snipers which are stationed around Jenin.
