Gaza: Israeli Defence Minister Says Palestinian Displacement Plan Not Cancelled
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has acknowledged that Israel continues to consider the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, describing the displacement of residents as the only lasting solution for the territory.
Speaking at a conference organised by Israeli publication Ynet on Wednesday, Katz said the proposal to encourage Palestinians to leave Gaza remains under discussion, despite US President Donald Trump having reportedly put the plan on hold.
Katz argued that Gaza could not have a lasting solution without Palestinian migration, reviving concerns among Palestinian rights groups and international observers that Israel’s long-term objective could involve the permanent displacement of Gaza’s population.
The proposal has previously been championed by far-right Israeli politicians and was also promoted by Trump earlier in his presidency. Trump had suggested that the United States could take control of Gaza and redevelop the territory after Palestinians were relocated, drawing strong condemnation from Arab governments and other international actors.
Trump later backed a 12-point ceasefire framework that recognised Palestinians’ right to remain in Gaza and stated that those who chose to leave would be allowed to return.
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, Israel has continued to restrict the flow of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction materials into Gaza while conducting military operations in the territory, according to Palestinian and international reports.
Katz also indicated that Israel remains prepared to pursue its objectives in Gaza by land, sea and air, while acknowledging Egypt’s refusal to accept large numbers of displaced Palestinians.
He said potential host countries would require American backing before accepting Palestinians from Gaza, maintaining that Washington had not abandoned the displacement proposal but had instead placed it on hold.
The issue has intensified debate in Washington, with US Senator Chris Van Hollen saying he and fellow Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley had previously warned about the possibility of Israel seeking to permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza after visiting the Gaza-Egypt border.
The United States has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military assistance during the conflict and continued to support Israel diplomatically, including at international institutions.
Meanwhile, efforts to secure a broader political settlement remain stalled. Trump announced in July that a US-backed process would seek to disarm Hamas, facilitate an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and end the fighting, but Israel rejected the proposal, insisting that Gaza must first be fully demilitarised.
