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Sunday, July 13, 2025
IDF to warn Netanyahu that Gaza ‘humanitarian city’ could take months, harm hostage talks — report
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
At Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request, this evening, the IDF is expected to present an outlined plan for the proposed “humanitarian city” in Rafah during a limited security cabinet meeting, Channel 12 reports.
While the military will clarify that it is prepared to carry out whatever instructions it receives, it is also expected to deliver a message of caution, according to the TV network. Military officials will inform those present at the meeting that “it will take three to five months from the moment we begin construction until the humanitarian city is operational,” says Channel 12, without providing sources.
In addition, although it may not be stated explicitly at the meeting, it was conveyed in preliminary defense establishment discussions that insisting on the humanitarian city plan could harm ongoing hostage release efforts in Doha, the report adds.
According to Channel 12, officials in the defense establishment are concerned that Hamas may interpret the plan — which would involve relocating 600,000 Gazans in its first stage, and ultimately the entire population of some two million people — as a signal that Israel is only open to a partial deal, and intends to resume the war after the proposed 60-day ceasefire. Such a move, they fear, could cause Hamas to distrust any United States guarantees for ending the war and thus refuse a deal entirely.
The IDF is also expected to present additional considerations regarding the project, including implications for international law, the potential to prolong the conflict, and logistical issues such as area sanitization and the provision of medical care.
Also on the agenda for tonight’s limited security cabinet meeting are the new IDF withdrawal maps intended for presentation to mediators in Doha. However, despite the updated blueprint, Channel 12 reports concern within the political echelon that the new plans may still fall short of producing a breakthrough in negotiations.
The Times of Israel Community.