Israel Will not Expel or Deport Anyone from Gaza, Foreign Minister Says

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said Israel is not planning to expel or deport anyone from the Gaza Strip, while maintaining that Palestinians who voluntarily choose to leave would not be prevented from doing so.

Saar made the remarks on Wednesday during a visit to Slovenia, where he attended the opening of Israel’s embassy in the country.

The minister said Israel would not oppose Palestinians leaving Gaza voluntarily if another country was willing to receive them.

He stressed that such departures would have to be voluntary, rather than the result of expulsion or deportation by Israel.

Saar’s comments come amid continued international attention over Israel’s military operations and its plans for the future administration and security of the Gaza Strip.

Israel has faced international criticism over proposals concerning the future movement of Palestinians from Gaza, with concerns raised over the possibility of forced displacement.

Saar’s statement represents the Israeli government’s position that it does not intend to forcibly remove Palestinians from the territory, while leaving open the possibility of voluntary emigration.