UN Condemns Israel’s ‘Inhumane’ Gaza Plan
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has sharply criticized Israel’s proposed plan to establish a sealed ‘humanitarian city’ in Rafah, calling it an inhumane and unjustified measure. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz unveiled the plan, envisioning a walled-off camp in southern Gaza to house the entire population of the enclave, which exceeds two million people. UNRWA communications director Tamara Alrifai strongly condemned the plan, arguing that confining hundreds of thousands of people behind fences and under military surveillance is not a humanitarian solution but an insult to human dignity.
The scheme has sparked global outrage, with rights experts comparing the sealed zone to a concentration camp and accusing Israel of orchestrating a mass expulsion of Palestinians. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the initiative as a ‘massive overcrowded camp’ and emphasized that the only viable solution is a lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution. The plan has also garnered criticism from international observers, who warned that the creation of such a sealed zone could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is already referred to as an ‘open-air prison’ by humanitarian groups.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following a deadly Hamas incursion. Since then, the IDF has reportedly killed nearly 57,800 Palestinians, most of them women and children, leading to accusations of genocide against the Israeli leadership. The proposal has drawn further attention to the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian toll, with many calling for greater international intervention to address the escalating violence and civilian suffering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly supported the plan, with a source cited by Haaretz claiming that he expressed approval of the idea of providing comforts to the confined Gazans, saying, ‘Give them Ben & Jerry’s, for all I care.’ This statement has further fueled controversy, highlighting the perceived lack of empathy for the civilian population in the occupied territory. As the international community continues to grapple with the ethical and political implications of the Israeli government’s actions, the situation in Gaza remains a focal point of global concern.
Additionally, the proposal has raised questions about the potential long-term consequences of concentrating such a large population in a confined area. Human rights organizations have expressed fears that the plan could lead to severe humanitarian crises, including inadequate access to food, water, and medical services, as well as increased risks of disease outbreaks. The plan has also intensified discussions about the role of international organizations in mediating the conflict and providing assistance to the civilian population in Gaza.
The international reaction to the plan has been overwhelmingly critical, with various organizations and governments calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives. The situation continues to be a significant point of contention in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza serving as a major flashpoint for global attention and debate.