Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar clarifies stance on Gaza migration

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on September 9, 2026, during the inauguration of Israel's first embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that his country has no intention to forcibly expel or displace residents of the Gaza Strip. However, Saar noted that if individuals wish to migrate voluntarily and a third country is willing to accept them, Israel would not oppose such moves as long as they remain entirely consensual.

These remarks follow public discussions among members of the Israeli government regarding proposals for the relocation of the nearly two million Palestinians living in the conflict-ridden territory. While officials have often framed these proposals as voluntary, critics and international observers remain concerned about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths and 174,000 injuries since October 2023, according to Gaza Health Ministry data recognized by the United Nations. The current war, which began following an unprecedented attack against Israel, has prompted significant regional instability and ongoing debate regarding the future of the enclave.