Israeli Defense Minister Says Israel Ready to Remove Gaza Population Pending US Approval

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is organized and prepared to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip by sea, air, or any other possible means. Speaking at a conference hosted by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz asserted that there is no real solution for Gaza without this migration. He indicated that the plan is currently waiting for the United States to provide approval and determine where the population should be taken.

Katz described a previous proposal by US President Donald Trump to have two million Palestinians leave Gaza as frozen rather than cancelled. Trump had initially suggested developing the territory into a luxury resort destination but later walked back the idea following pushback from Egypt and other parties. In an October ceasefire announcement, Trump included a point stating there would be no forced displacement. Katz suggested the plan remains under discussion and could be revived if Hamas fails to meet ceasefire obligations.

Katz claimed that 80 percent of people in Gaza want to leave but are being prevented by Hamas. However, reports note that the forced displacement of civilians in occupied territory is considered a war crime under international law and the Geneva Conventions. The US embassy referred requests for comment to the State Department in Washington.