Israel still wants to remove Palestinians from Gaza, defence minister says

What Happened

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that the depopulation of the Gaza Strip remains the only viable solution for the territory. Speaking at a Ynet conference, Katz claimed that while the proposal is currently frozen by United States President Donald Trump, it remains a subject of ongoing discussion within the Israeli government. Katz asserted that Israel is prepared to utilize air, sea, and other means to facilitate this migration, despite opposition from Egypt regarding the intake of Palestinian refugees.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The remarks by the Israeli Defence Minister highlight a persistent policy divide between the current Israeli cabinet and the United States-backed ceasefire framework established in October 2025. The explicit mention of depopulation as a strategic goal challenges the viability of the current ceasefire, which explicitly guarantees the right of Palestinians to remain in Gaza, and intensifies international scrutiny regarding the long-term status of the enclave.

Watch For

Monitor for further diplomatic friction between the Israeli government and the United States administration regarding the status of the ceasefire agreement. Additionally, observe any shifts in Egyptian border policy or international legal responses to these statements, particularly concerning ongoing proceedings at the International Criminal Court.