'Voluntary departure' for Gazans slammed

Israel accused of forcing Palestinians out and violating international law

Israel's decision to set up an agency to oversee the so-called voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza and the approval of 13 settlement outposts in the West Bank have been condemned for defying international laws and undermining cease-fire restoration efforts.

Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Austria and Germany were among those who condemned the move, saying the aim was to displace Palestinians and legitimize what were called colonial settlements.

Israel's Defense Ministry said on Sunday that the country's Security Cabinet had approved the establishment of a new directorate to coordinate the "voluntary relocation" of Palestinians from Gaza to third countries.