The French Foreign Ministry condemned President Donald Trump's idea of "cleaning out" the Gaza Strip while it is being rebuilt due to the war, calling the idea "unacceptable" and "destabilizing," according to France 24.
The ministry spokesperson said that "It would not only be a serious violation of international law, but also a major hindrance to the two-state solution," and that it would also be a "destabilization factor (for) our close allies Egypt and Jordan."
Around 2 million Palestinian civilians were displaced as a result of the IDF's war with Hamas, from all areas of the Gaza Strip - north, center, and south. They were allowed to reside in a designated humanitarian zone in the center of the Strip abutting the cost.
While the IDF occasionally made incursions into the zone to stop rocket fire or conduct targeted strikes against terrorist gatherings, it was generally left alone as the army fought Hamas forces outside the zone. This is so even though we now know some of the hostages were held in this area.
Israel refused to allow those who resided in the northern Gaza Strip - which includes Gaza City and its adjoining towns of Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun - to return to their homes until hostage Arbel Yehud was freed as agreed upon.
According to the agreement, Gazans may return to the north on foot without being inspected, while vehicles will be inspected by an American company overseen by Qatari and Egyptian representatives.
Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich said this week that he supports Trump's plan, saying that:
"I heard yesterday President Trump's statements about Arab countries needing to absorb one and a half million refugees from Gaza. After years of politicians trying to impose their fantasies on reality, finally a US President recognizes reality - Gaza is a swamp of terror that produces suffering both for Israeli citizens and Gaza residents themselves.
"For years, Arab countries have preserved this problem as a weapon against the State of Israel, and there is no doubt that in the long term, encouraging emigration is the only solution that will bring peace and security to Israeli residents and also ease the suffering of Arab Gaza residents.
"I am working with the Prime Minister and Cabinet to prepare an operational plan and ensure that this vision of President Trump is implemented in reality. There's no need to get excited about Egypt and Jordan's weak opposition to the plan; we saw yesterday how Trump led a move against Colombia to expel migrants despite its opposition - when he wants something, it happens."
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