Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked controversy with his call for Palestinians residing in Gaza to leave the besieged enclave. Smotrich claims that encouraging emigration from Gaza would create an opportunity for Israelis to "make the desert bloom." His remarks have raised concerns about a potential push for the re-occupation of Gaza, evoking memories of the 1948 Nakba and the displacement of Palestinians.

During an interview with Israeli Army Radio on Sunday, Smotrich emphasized the need to reduce the population of Gaza to change perceptions within Israel. He stated, "If there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million Arabs, the entire discussion on the day after will be totally different." Smotrich believes that without a population "growing up on the aspiration to destroy the state of Israel," Israeli society would view Gaza differently.

Sara Khairat, reporting for Al Jazeera from Tel Aviv, highlights the concerns raised by Smotrich's comments. She notes that his remarks contribute to a narrative suggesting Israel's desire to push Palestinians out, reminiscent of the Nakba. The Nakba refers to the ethnic cleansing of Palestine following the 1948 war during the establishment of the state of Israel.

Smotrich's far-right Religious Zionist Party, which draws support from Israel's settler community, has seen a decrease in approval ratings since the start of the conflict. However, his views contradict the official government position that Palestinians in Gaza would be allowed to return to their homes after the war.

The Israeli government withdrew its military and settlers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed Israel does not intend to maintain a permanent presence in Gaza, the long-term intentions of the country remain unclear. The United States and other nations have emphasized the need for Gaza to be governed by Palestinians.

Smotrich's call for Palestinian emigration from Gaza has sparked debate and concern both domestically and internationally. The remarks clash with the government's official stance on the return of Israeli settlements to Gaza. The issue of Gaza's future continues to be a point of contention, with questions remaining about Israel's intentions and the aspirations of Palestinians living in the region.