Key Facts

• Israel plans to create a large shelter for Palestinians in Rafah, southern Gaza.
• The shelter is expected to initially accommodate around 600,000 displaced Palestinians.
• The ultimate goal is to expand it to house the entire pre-war population of Gaza, which is about 2.2 million people.
• The shelter would be managed by international forces and will not have a Hamas presence.
• Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called the plan a “concentration camp” and Israeli lawyers have labeled it illegal.
• The plan has faced international criticism, with Britain, Austria, Germany, and the United Nations expressing strong concerns.
• Some Israeli politicians and officials support the idea, while others have criticized it for being impractical and costly.
• There are reports that Israel is increasing demolitions in Rafah, which might be linked to this plan.