Overview

• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a plan to allow Gaza residents to leave voluntarily, with options for land, sea, and air travel.
• The proposal follows President Trump's suggestion for U.S. control of Gaza and relocation of its population, which has drawn sharp international criticism.
• The United Nations, European Union, and leaders from Egypt, France, and Jordan have condemned the plan as a violation of international law and a destabilizing force in the region.
• Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu envision a reconstructed Gaza as a commercial hub, likened to a 'Côte d’Azur' of the Middle East, but critics deem the idea unrealistic and provocative.
• The ongoing truce in Gaza, initiated on January 19, has allowed some displaced residents to return, while negotiations for a long-term ceasefire and reconstruction continue.