Gaza city: Human rights group Amnesty International has condemned Israeli plans to concentrate Gaza's population in a 'humanitarian city,' describing the move as 'outrageous,' 'inhumane,' and a declared intention to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that he has instructed the military to prepare a plan to relocate all Palestinians to a new zone on the ruins of Rafah in southern Gaza. Katz stated that the entire population would be confined to this 'humanitarian city,' with the possibility of emigrating from Gaza to other countries.

Amnesty International criticized Defense Minister Katz's proposed plans, emphasizing that the intention to concentrate all Gaza's residents in a so-called 'humanitarian city' and restrict their movement constitutes a violation of international law. The organization labeled the comments on Palestinian relocation as a declaration of intent to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The London-based group further highlighted that relocating Palestinians within Gaza or deporting them elsewhere against their will would amount to the war crime of unlawful transfer or deportation. When carried out as part of a widespread or systematic attack on civilians, it would also be considered a crime against humanity.

Amnesty International expressed concern over the lack of accountability for Israel and its leaders, urging world leaders to refrain from supporting any unlawful transfer or deportation of Palestinians to avoid complicity in international crimes. The group criticized the global community's failure to hold Israel accountable for alleged genocide and other atrocities.

The Israeli army's actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of nearly 57,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave, causing food shortages and the spread of disease.

In a related development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.