The Arab League has condemned Israel’s plan to confine Palestinians in Gaza to a “humanitarian city”, calling the proposal an affront to humanitarian principles. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Arab League described the plan as showcasing the “ethical decline of the occupation” and warned that it could lead to “ethnic cleansing” and reoccupation of the Gaza Strip.
“The plan bears no relation to civility or humanitarian principles,” the statement read. “It reflects an unethical approach and exposes intentions to reoccupy Gaza and possibly pave the way for settlements.”
The Arab League urged the international community to take a firm stand against what it termed “inhumane schemes,” emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier announced plans to establish a new “humanitarian city” on the ruins of Rafah, according to Israeli media reports. Katz stated that within 60 days of any agreed ceasefire, an initial 600,000 Palestinians living in the coastal al-Mawasi area would be transferred to Rafah. The plan envisages that eventually the entire civilian population of Gaza—over 2 million people—would be relocated to this southern city.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized the plan in an interview with The Guardian. “It is a concentration camp. I am sorry,” Olmert said. “If they will be deported into the new ‘humanitarian city,’ then you can say that this is part of an ethnic cleansing.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported on Tuesday that at least 875 people have been killed at aid distribution points in Gaza over the past six weeks. The victims were in areas managed by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), as well as along routes used by other relief convoys, including those operated by the UN.
“The data we have is based on our own information gathering through various reliable sources, including medical, human rights, and humanitarian organizations,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN office, during a press briefing in Geneva.
The GHF has been using private U.S. security and logistics companies to deliver aid into Gaza, bypassing a UN-led system that Israel alleges has been exploited by militants. The UN has labeled the GHF’s aid model as “inherently unsafe” and a violation of humanitarian impartiality standards. The GHF disputes these claims, accusing the UN of misinformation.
In diplomatic developments, Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been participating in ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar, since July 6. The discussions revolve around a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire that includes a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza, and negotiations to end the ongoing conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the negotiations. “We are hopeful about the ceasefire talks underway in Qatar,” Witkoff said on Sunday. Qatar and Egypt have been key mediators in the efforts to secure an agreement.
The Arab League’s condemnation adds to the international pressure on Israel to reconsider its plans in Gaza. As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the call for an immediate ceasefire becomes increasingly urgent.
