Israeli Families Defy Danger to Settle Near Gaza, Sparking Debate and Concern
Israeli families, driven by ideological beliefs, are voluntarily settling in areas near the Gaza Strip, awaiting the opportunity to resettle the territory. This movement, supported by extreme-right organizations and some Israelis, is sparking debate and concern among the public and international community.
Reut Ben Kemoun, a 29-year-old sports coach, is among the pioneers of this initiative. She lives in a mobile home in Shavei Darom with her five children, enduring harsh conditions without basic amenities like sewage or electricity. Ben Kemoun, along with six other families, was recruited by Nachala, an extreme-right settler organization advocating for new settlements in the occupied territories.
Ben Kemoun's determination is fueled by her belief in retaking the Gaza Strip, a view shared by many Israelis. A poll conducted in August 2023 revealed that 52% of Israelis support the return of settlements to Gaza. Devorah Weitz, a 40-year-old Israeli woman, moved to the area with her husband and ten children, considering it a 'just response' to Hamas' actions.
However, this movement is not without controversy. The organization that recruited Ben Kemoun and other families in Gaza is Hamas, a group designated as terrorist by many countries. Moreover, some Israeli ministers from the extreme right have called for the 'voluntary exile' or even forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, which is a war crime under international law.
Since the beginning of the Gaza war two years ago, over a thousand families have volunteered to settle in the north of the Gaza Strip through Nachala. While these families are driven by their beliefs, their actions raise significant legal and ethical concerns. The international community is watching closely as this complex situation continues to unfold.
