Israel downplays a dossier from the intelligence ministry that suggested moving millions of Gazans to Egypt

The prime minister of Israel is downplaying a paper from the intelligence ministry that was leaked and suggested that millions of Palestinians be relocated to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

"This is a preliminary paper, similar to numerous other papers of this nature prepared by all levels of government and security," the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a statement. "Offical Israeli channels have not addressed the 'day after,' as they are currently preoccupied with destroying Hamas' political and military capacities."

The paper was posted on the Sicha Mekomit website and is dated October 13, which is just a few days after the Hamas terror incident. The intelligence ministry outlines three alternatives in it for how to handle Gaza's civilian population following the Hamas strikes and the start of hostilities.

According to the paper's authors, "Alternative C," which proposes moving Gaza's civilian population to the northern Sinai, is the most advantageous option in terms of Israel's long-term security.

Tent towns would first be built in the area as part of the concept, with more permanent cities to be built later. In addition, the plan asks for the construction of a security border to keep the displaced population out of Israel and a humanitarian corridor to assist them.