The comments were made in response to Danny Danon, a member of the Israeli Knesset, who claimed that “the world is already discussing the possibilities of voluntary immigration”.

The far-right Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have voiced their support.

Backers for migration have emerged from Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel told Zman Israel on Tuesday that “voluntary migration is the best and most realistic program for the day after the fighting ends”.

Gamliel said during a conference held in the Knesset that, at the end of the war, Hamas rule would collapse, leaving the population “entirely dependent” on humanitarian aid.

“The Gaza problem is not just our problem,” she said. “The world should support humanitarian emigration because that’s the only solution I know.”

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The international community, including the United States, has rejected the possibility of the expulsion of Gazans.

Responding to the US criticism of the proposal to relocate Gazans, Ben-Gvir said: “The United States is our best friend, but first of all we will do what is best for the State of Israel: the migration of hundreds of thousands from Gaza will allow the [Israeli] residents of the envelope to return home and live in security and will protect the IDF [Israel] soldiers.”

France condemned the calls for Gazans to emigrate so Jewish settlers could return.

“France condemns the comments of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir,” the French Foreign Ministry said.

“We call on Israel to refrain from such provocative declarations, which are irresponsible and fuel tensions.”

The Telegraph, London