Israel is preparing land in southern Gaza for a large camp intended to house Palestinians, according to a retired Israeli general advising the military. The proposed camp, which could accommodate hundreds of thousands, may include surveillance and facial recognition technology at its entrance, and would be built in Rafah, an area cleared of tunnels by Hamas. The camp could serve both those wishing to leave Gaza for Egypt and those choosing to stay, as Israel prepares for a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing. Israeli officials have discussed encouraging emigration from Gaza, though they deny any plans for forced displacement, a claim disputed by Palestinian officials.

The plans come amid ongoing tensions and the possibility of renewed conflict, as Israel's military readies for another offensive if Hamas refuses to disarm. The camp could also provide shelter for Palestinians fleeing a potential new assault. Discussions over the demilitarization of Gaza remain unresolved, with Hamas refusing to lay down arms and Israeli leaders insisting that disarmament is a prerequisite for reconstruction and lasting peace.