Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that Israel remains committed to removing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a conference hosted by the publication Ynet on Wednesday, Katz asserted that de-populating the territory is the only viable path forward, a strategy that critics and rights advocates characterize as ethnic cleansing.
While some Israeli officials describe this objective using terms like voluntary “immigration” or “migration,” Katz was explicit about the intent. “In the end, there is no real solution for Gaza without this migration,” he stated. He further noted that the plan is a subject of constant discussion within the government, adding that officials are prepared to pursue the goal through various means, including air and sea operations.
The push for depopulation has been a recurring theme among far-right Israeli officials. Early in his presidency, US President Donald Trump supported the concept, suggesting that the United States could take control of the enclave once the Palestinian population was removed. However, Trump later sponsored a 12-point ceasefire agreement that explicitly protected the right of Palestinians to remain on their land. The document states that no one will be forced to leave, and those who choose to depart will be free to return.
Katz acknowledged the existence of this agreement but claimed that the administration has not abandoned the removal plan. “At the moment, Trump has not canceled it; he has frozen it,” he said, expressing hope that the United States would eventually provide the necessary support to move forward. He argued that such a move would be for the benefit of all parties involved.
Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, the situation on the ground has remained dire. Israel has continued to restrict the flow of humanitarian aid and has blocked reconstruction efforts while maintaining regular military strikes. Despite Israel’s stated desire to relocate the population, Egypt has consistently refused to accept Palestinian refugees across its border.
The United States has remained a primary backer of Israel, providing approximately $25 billion in military aid over the last three years. Washington has also shielded the Israeli government in international forums, including the imposition of sanctions against officials from the International Criminal Court who were investigating alleged atrocities in Gaza.
In July, Trump proposed a plan to disarm Hamas as part of a broader process involving an Israeli withdrawal and an end to hostilities. Israel rejected this proposal, maintaining that it would not offer concessions until the territory is fully demilitarized.
The remarks from the defence minister drew sharp criticism from US lawmakers. Senator Chris Van Hollen, who previously visited the Gaza-Egypt border with Senator Jeff Merkley to investigate reports of planned displacement, condemned the admission. “Now the Israeli Minister of Defense confirmed that’s the goal,” Van Hollen wrote in a social media post, adding, “We must end our complicity.” The report also notes that including governments allied with Washington, the proposal was met with outrage from Middle Eastern countries. The report also notes that “We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.”. The report also notes that “I think that ultimately there is no other solution, for everyone’s benefit.
