Egypt has condemned Israel’s decision to establish a new directorate under the Israeli Ministry of Defense aimed at facilitating the so-called “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the claim on Monday 24 March, that such a departure could be considered voluntary, stating that any movement of Palestinians under conditions of war, siege, and starvation amounts to forced displacement, a violation of international law. The Israeli government announced the new agency on Saturday, 22 March, as part of a broader policy shift, which also included approving 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. According to an Israeli government statement, the directorate will oversee the movement of Gaza residents to other states, securing travel routes and managing crossings by land, sea, and air. In response, Egypt called on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action against what it described as ongoing Israeli violations, warning that such policies threaten regional stability. The Foreign Ministry reiterated Egypt’s firm position against any forced displacement of Palestinians, reaffirming support for their right to self-determination and an independent state along the 4 June…
