Sa'ar: "Israel does not plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza; voluntary migration - possible"

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar clarified at a joint press conference with the Slovenian Foreign Minister that Israel does not plan to expel or forcibly remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, but will not oppose voluntary migration. Sa'ar emphasized that Israel will act in accordance with international law. The visit to Slovenia took place against the backdrop of the opening of the new Israeli embassy in the country and a criminal complaint filed against Sa'ar by a pro-Palestinian organization.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar clarified today (Wednesday) at a joint press conference with the Slovenian Foreign Minister that Israel does not plan to expel or forcibly remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Sa'ar was asked whether Israel expects Slovenia's support for a move to remove Palestinians from Gaza, and he replied that Israel does not plan to expel anyone. However, he added that Israel will not oppose voluntary migration, if someone wants to leave of their own free will and a country is willing to accept them, as happens in any conflict zone in the world. Sa'ar emphasized that Israel will not force anyone to leave against their will, and all actions will be in accordance with international law. The visit to Slovenia was held to mark the opening of the new Israeli embassy in the country. Against this backdrop, the Belgian pro-Palestinian organization "Hind Rajab" (HRF) filed a criminal complaint with the Slovenian authorities against Sa'ar, attributing to him responsibility for war crimes, genocide, and torture during the war in Gaza. The organization claimed that Sa'ar, as a member of the political-security cabinet and as Foreign Minister, was involved in formulating and approving combat policy. However, the article notes that there is no indication that the Slovenian authorities are addressing the complaint, and that a sitting foreign minister enjoys broad personal immunity under international law.