In Short:
– Former PM Olmert criticises Gaza “humanitarian city” plan as a potential “concentration camp.”
– He warns of ethnic cleansing if Palestinians are forcibly relocated; government defends plan, referring to Olmert’s criminal past.Olmert has raised alarms about a Gaza plan potentially viewed as a concentration camp, while the Israeli government dismisses his concerns, citing his criminal background. The escalating violence has resulted in over 58,000 deaths in Gaza, prompting calls for an end to the war.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has raised serious concerns over a proposed “humanitarian city” in Gaza. He described the plan, which aims to accommodate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, as a potential “concentration camp.” Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed the plan to set up this zone on the ruins of Rafah, stating that once Palestinians enter, they would not be permitted to leave. Olmert warned that if Palestinians are forcibly relocated there, it would signify ethnic cleansing.In response to Olmert’s comments, the Prime Minister’s Office referred to him as a “convicted felon” attempting to disgrace Israel. The office asserted that Israel is evacuating civilians, while Hamas is obstructing them. Olmert, who was imprisoned for corruption, has previously criticised Israel’s military actions and political leadership. He stated he can no longer defend Israel against accusations of war crimes.

Since the conflict began, over 58,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, described Katz’s plans as extreme attempts by Netanyahu’s government and called for an end to the war. Human rights lawyer Michael Sfard contended that the proposed actions could lead to war crimes.