- Israel Katz stated at a conference that removing Palestinians from Gaza is the 'only solution', emphasizing that the Israeli government is prepared to take action by sea, air, and any means necessary.
- Katz mentioned that Trump has not cancelled the proposal to remove Palestinians but has frozen it, indicating ongoing discussions about the plan.
- Trump's early proposal included a US takeover of Gaza and the removal of Palestinians, which was met with outrage from Middle Eastern countries.
- In October 2025, a ceasefire began, but Israel continued to restrict aid and carry out near daily attacks against Palestinians.
- Trump later sponsored a ceasefire deal that asserted Palestinians' right to remain in Gaza, stating that no one would be forced to leave.
- Palestinian rights advocates have argued that Israel's actions aim to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian territory.
- In July, Trump announced an agreement to disarm Hamas as part of a US-backed process that included an Israeli withdrawal.
During a recent conference, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the removal of Palestinians from Gaza is the 'only solution' to the ongoing conflict. He stated, “In the end, there is no real solution for Gaza without this migration,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.12
Katz revealed that the Israeli government is “organised and prepared to get them out by sea, by air, by every way possible.” He is actively seeking Donald Trump's support to facilitate this plan, asserting that “Every country that is willing to take them in wants American backing.” Katz noted that while Trump has not canceled the proposal, it remains “frozen.”34
The plan has faced significant backlash, with Palestinian rights advocates condemning it as a potential war crime and an act of ethnic cleansing. Katz's comments come amid a competitive election season in Israel, where right-wing leaders are pushing for more aggressive measures against Palestinians. He stated, “It is being discussed all the time, including now, and I think there is no other solution in the end that is in everyone’s interest.”10
The White House has not commented on whether discussions regarding the forced depopulation of Gaza are ongoing, but Katz's remarks indicate a troubling trajectory for the region's future.
“Katz said the plan is 'being discussed all the time' and that Trump has 'frozen' it, not cancelled. Egypt refuses to take in refugees, and US Senator Chris Van Hollen warned of 'complicity' in ethnic cleansing.”
The Guardian
