Addressing the Doha Forum on Sunday, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made a strong statement, accusing Israel of implementing a policy that meets the “legal definition of genocide” in Gaza. He argued that Israel’s recent offensive in response to the October 7 Hamas attack is not just about destroying Hamas, but also about pushing the Palestinians out of Gaza. Safadi described the offensive as “indiscriminate and brutal” and highlighted the destruction of innocent lives and livelihoods.
Safadi’s remarks were supported by Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Lazzarini also accused Israel of planning a mass expulsion of people from Gaza into Egypt. He emphasized that forcibly displacing Gazans is firmly rejected by the United Nations and several member states, including the United States.
Lazzarini pointed out that the widespread destruction in Gaza’s north and the resulting displacements are the first stage of a larger plan to move Palestinians closer to the Egyptian border. He warned that if this continues, Gaza will no longer be a land for Palestinians, drawing a parallel to the forced displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war, known as the Nakba.
The Israeli government, however, firmly rejected these accusations. According to its spokesperson Eylon Levy, Israel is fighting to defend itself from those responsible for the October 7 massacre and aims to bring them to justice. Levy emphasized that Israel has been urging civilians in Gaza to relocate for their own safety and called for other nations to support this effort.
While the Israeli government denies any plan to move Gaza residents to Egypt, some Israeli ministers have made statements suggesting otherwise. Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel mentioned the possibility of promoting the voluntary resettlement of Palestinians in Gaza for humanitarian reasons. Additionally, former Israeli officials have proposed the construction of tent cities in Egypt’s Sinai desert for the displaced Palestinians.
The accusations made by Jordan and the UNRWA chief have sparked a debate over Israel’s intentions in Gaza. The ongoing conflict and the potential displacement of Palestinians have raised concerns about the future of the region and the well-being of its inhabitants. The international community is urged to take a stand and demand an end to the war in Gaza.
In conclusion, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and the UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, alleging a systematic effort to push Palestinians out of the region. The Israeli government denies these accusations, emphasizing its aim to protect its people and bring justice to those responsible for attacks. The ongoing conflict and the potential displacement of Palestinians have raised international concerns and calls for an end to the violence.
