UNRWA Slams Israeli Plan to Relocate Palestinians, Citing Risk of “Mass Detention Zones”
July 11, 2025 — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has strongly criticized Israel’s proposed relocation of Palestinians in Gaza to the southern city of Rafah, warning that such a move could result in the establishment of vast, prison-like camps and deepen the humanitarian disaster.
UNRWA’s Director of Communications, Juliette Touma, told Al Jazeera English that the agency “firmly opposes any forced relocation of civilians.”
“If implemented, this plan would displace tens of thousands more — people who have already been forced from their homes repeatedly, not only in this conflict but over generations,” she said. “They will be driven further south, into uncertainty and danger.”
Touma urged an immediate ceasefire and called for humanitarian access: “Our warehouses in Egypt and Jordan are filled with over 6,000 trucks carrying medical supplies nearing expiration, food that’s going bad, and hygiene essentials. We’re simply asking to be allowed to do our job — lift the blockade, stop the fighting, and let us deliver aid.”
Israel’s “Humanitarian City” Proposal
Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed that he had directed military officials to draft a plan to relocate the entire Palestinian population of Gaza to a so-called “humanitarian city” built over the ruins of Rafah.
Since the ceasefire ended in March, the UN estimates over 700,000 people have been displaced, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza.
Despite growing international pressure for a ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued their offensive since October 7, 2023. The operation has reportedly killed nearly 57,800 Palestinians — primarily women and children — while devastating the region’s infrastructure, causing widespread hunger, and triggering outbreaks of disease.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also currently facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
