Katz Advocates Gaza Depopulation as Sole Path to Resolution

Israeli War Minister Israel Katz publicly advocated for the enforced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. He claimed there would ultimately be no real solution for the territory without Palestinians leaving the area entirely.

Katz stated that Israel was prepared to facilitate forced displacement by sea, air, or other available routes. He presented this ethnic cleansing as part of Israel’s strategic plans for Gaza during a conference hosted by Ynet.

He cited internal survey data collected by his ministry to support his position. Katz claimed that large numbers of Palestinians in Gaza are interested in leaving the enclave through various proposed channels.

According to the survey, nearly 80% of questioned Palestinians wanted information about relocating to a third country. This finding does not establish an intention to permanently emigrate, yet Katz used it to argue they want to leave.

Katz acknowledged that Palestinians remain partly because neighboring countries refuse to participate. He noted that countries potentially willing to receive displaced persons would require significant backing from the United States government.

The minister admitted that US President Donald Trump has only frozen the plan. Katz emphasized that Washington has not dropped the proposal altogether and stated that the moment for implementation will eventually come.

US Senator Chris Van Hollen responded to these statements by confirming long-held fears. He wrote that the Israeli Defense Minister had now confirmed that ethnic cleansing is the ultimate goal of the ongoing military campaign.

Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israel has continued to restrict aid. It has prevented reconstruction while carrying out near daily attacks against Palestinians despite agreements asserting their right to remain.