No Real Plan for Israel's New 'Humanitarian City' in Gaza

Media Is Awash With Leaks Over Plan to Move Already Uprooted Palestinians to Zone

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JERUSALEM — An Israeli scheme to move hundreds of thousands of already uprooted Palestinians to a so-called humanitarian city in Gaza has led politicians to spar with the defense establishment, but officials say a practical plan has yet to be crafted.

Even without a clear blueprint, opposition critics have denounced the proposal, with some likening the suggested site to a "concentration camp," which could lead to ethnic cleansing in the coastal enclave that has been devastated by 21 months of conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has defended the project, saying it would offer civilians a safe haven while further weakening Hamas militants' grip on Gaza, but it is unclear whether it is a concrete government policy.

The idea was floated by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier in July, and Mr. Netanyahu convened ministry and defense officials to discuss it on July 13.

The military was asked to put together a detailed proposition, but Mr. Netanyahu dismissed it as far too costly and complicated — two Israeli officials who were present said — and ordered them to come up with something cheaper and faster.

An Israeli military source said it was a complex initiative that required intricate logistics for infrastructure such as sewage, sanitation, medical services, water, and food supplies.

Planning was in a very initial phase only, the source said, and the goal was to help Palestinians who do not want to live under Hamas rule.