Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel is still pursuing the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, describing depopulation as the “only solution” for the territory. Speaking at a conference organised by Ynet on Wednesday, Katz said US President Donald Trump had frozen rather than cancelled the proposal.
Katz said Israel was prepared to take control of Gaza “by sea, by air and by any means to do it”, while Egypt has refused to take in Palestinian refugees. He said countries that might accept displaced Palestinians would need US support.
What Katz said about the proposal
Katz said the plan is discussed continually and that “there is no real solution for Gaza without this migration”. Some Israeli officials use the terms “voluntary immigration” or “migration” for the proposed removal of Palestinians.
Trump previously backed an idea for the United States to take over Gaza after Palestinians were removed. The proposal prompted opposition from Middle Eastern governments, including countries allied with Washington. For additional context, see “Israel’s defence minister says Trump support is sought for Gaza plan”.
How the proposal conflicts with the ceasefire terms
A 12-point ceasefire agreement sponsored by Trump says Palestinians have the right to remain in Gaza. It states that no one will be forced to leave, while those who choose to leave should be free to return, and says people should be encouraged to stay and rebuild the territory.
The ceasefire took effect in October 2025. Since then, Israel has continued to restrict aid and prevent reconstruction while carrying out near-daily attacks, according to the account of events.
US and Palestinian responses
Palestinian rights advocates have argued that Israel’s wider war aims include the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. Some far-right Israeli officials have also publicly called for depopulating the territory.
US Senator Chris Van Hollen said he and Senator Jeff Merkley had warned after visiting the Gaza-Egypt border last year that Israel was planning to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Van Hollen said Katz’s statement confirmed that assessment and called for an end to US complicity. A related part of this story is covered in “Why Israel’s E1 settlement plan matters before the election”.
What happens next
Katz said the proposal remains dependent on US support and that he believes the moment for implementing it will come, while Trump has not publicly cancelled it.
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