Key takeaways:

• Israel’s finance minister proposes to annex Gaza if Hamas keeps fighting.
• He plans to shrink Gaza’s territory and push for “voluntary emigration.”
• Critics warn this move could amount to ethnic cleansing and break international law.
• The plan may face scrutiny from the International Court of Justice and the ICC.

Gaza annexation plan explained

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel must fully control Gaza “forever.” He spoke in a Jerusalem press conference. He offered Hamas two choices. First, surrender, disarm, and free all hostages. Second, face gradual annexation of Gaza and support a U.S.-backed scheme for residents to leave. He used the phrase “voluntary emigration.” However, most Gazans are not likely to leave their homes. Many are descendants of Palestinians forced out in 1948. Smotrich also wants to tighten the siege on Gaza. He even said he wants Hamas fighters to “starve and dehydrate to death.”

How Gaza annexation would work

Smotrich’s plan would go in stages. First, Israel would take over parts of northern Gaza. Then it would expand control toward the south. Eventually, the entire coastal strip would come under Israeli rule. During each stage, Israel would set new rules for movement, water, and electricity. The goal is to reduce Gaza’s size and force residents to relocate. Critics call this scheme a euphemism for ethnic cleansing. They argue that asking people to leave is not really voluntary.

What this means for Gaza residents

Gaza’s 2.3 million people already face a harsh blockade. They struggle for food, clean water, and medicine. Over 63,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict so far. Many more are injured or missing. A famine is threatening hundreds of thousands more. If Gaza annexation begins, residents could lose even basic services. They might see new checkpoints, tougher curfews, and fewer aid deliveries. Moreover, families that refuse to move could face forced eviction. This could increase suffering and death in an already dire situation.

What critics say

International jurists warn that public calls for annexation cross a legal line. Itay Epshtain, an Israeli legal expert, says Smotrich’s words may help prove intent to commit war crimes. The International Court of Justice is already reviewing a genocide case against Israel. The International Criminal Court has arrest warrants for top Israeli officials over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes. Now, it may turn its focus to annexation plans. Critics believe that any move to ethnically cleanse Gaza will trigger global outrage and legal action.

Human cost and legal risks

Experts estimate the real death toll in Gaza is higher than official figures. Thousands more are buried under rubble. Many suffer from hunger, dehydration, and disease. Children bear the heaviest burden. If Gaza annexation goes ahead, humanitarian agencies warn of a deeper crisis. International law forbids annexation of occupied territory. It also bans forced population movement and collective punishment. Should Israel push the plan forward, it risks being found guilty of apartheid and genocide. This could lead to sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and more ICC investigations.

Looking ahead

Smotrich says he wants to finish the campaign in Gaza by year’s end. He pushes for full control of the strip, no matter the cost. While he speaks, fighting continues across Gaza. Diplomats are scrambling for a ceasefire. Aid groups plead for safe corridors and more relief. Yet, the annexation talk casts a long shadow over any peace talks. As Gaza annexation takes center stage, the human toll and legal stakes keep rising. The coming months may show whether the plan moves beyond words or remains a risky political promise.

FAQs

Could Gaza annexation happen without war?

It seems unlikely. Gaza is under heavy military pressure. Any move to annex will likely be backed by force. This means continued fighting and more civilian harm.

What does “voluntary emigration” really mean?

In this context, it means asking Gazans to leave their homes in exchange for safety or aid. Critics say it’s a thinly veiled call for people to abandon their land under duress.

How does international law view annexation?

International law forbids an occupying power from adding new territory by force. It also bans forced population transfers. Annexation plans risk serious legal consequences for Israel.

Who could stop the annexation plan?

Global bodies like the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court can issue rulings or sanctions. However, actual enforcement depends on international politics and state action.