Israel's Security Cabinet has approved Defence Minister Israel Katz's proposal to establish an administration within the Defence Ministry to facilitate the "voluntary departure" of Gaza residents to third countries, Ynet News reported on March 21.

The new administration will coordinate activities of government offices, the IDF, Shin Bet and police, operating under the defence minister's authority to work with international organisations and prepare safe and monitored departures for Gazans who wish to leave.

"We are working through all means to implement the vision of the US president and will allow any Gaza resident who wishes to leave voluntarily for a third country to do so," Katz said.

Security officials claim that surveys indicate approximately 50% of Gaza residents wish to leave, with about 90% of Gaza's academically educated population reportedly expressing a desire to emigrate if given the opportunity.

In a separate move, the cabinet approved Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's proposal to separate 13 West Bank settlements from their parent communities and recognise them as independent municipalities.

"Until now, these settlements were formally considered part of their 'parent' communities, sometimes for decades, which created numerous administrative challenges," Smotrich's office stated.

The settlements include Alon, Harasha, Kerem Re'im, Neria, Migron, Shvut Rachel, Avnat, Brosh HaBik'a-Bitronot, Leshem, Nofei Nehemia, Tal Menashe, Ibei Hanahal, and Givatot.

"We continue to lead a revolution of normalisation and regulation in the settlements. Instead of hiding and apologising — we are raising the flag, building and settling. This is another crucial step toward actual sovereignty in the West Bank," Smotrich said.