Israel's controversial plan to build humanitarian city in Rafah sparks outrage

In July 2025, Israel announced its intention to develop a new urban area in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, that aims to accommodate an additional 600,000 inhabitants. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to devise a strategy for establishing what is termed a 'humanitarian city'. This plan emerged alongside ongoing tensions and conflicts in the area, where humanitarian access remains perilous due to the actions of Hamas, which has been accused of using civilian populations as shields. Critics argue that the proposed development echoes historical injustices, suggesting it mirrors the internment and concentration camps from World War II. Major media outlets have described the plan as creating an 'internment camp', though Israeli representatives assert that the objective is to enhance living conditions and provide more effective humanitarian aid. The Israeli government contends that the country is looking to rehabilitate demolished areas in Rafah rather than confining individuals against their will. The discourse surrounding the project has generated polarized opinions, where detractors of the Israeli government interpret it as a suffocating measure against the Gazan populace, while supporters claim it is a necessary step toward long-term stability and improved living standards amidst a challenging environment. Amidst these complexities, there remains a significant gap between the portrayal of the plan in global media and what Israeli officials describe their intentions to be. Nonetheless, opponents are skeptical of Israel's commitment to humanitarian efforts given the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many individuals and activists continue to raise alarm over potential ramifications of expanding Israeli authority in the territory, framing it as a continuation of suppression. As the deliberations proceed, the future of Rafah and its residents remains unclear and fraught with speculation regarding the balance between security measures and the humanitarian needs of civilians caught in the crossfire.