Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said a controversial proposal to move Palestinians out of Gaza remains part of the Israeli government’s thinking, despite US President Donald Trump previously freezing the plan. Katz described the displacement of Gaza’s Palestinian population as necessary, reigniting international concerns over the future of the territory and the rights of its residents.

Highlights

• Israel Katz says removing Palestinians from Gaza remains under discussion.
• Katz claims Donald Trump has frozen rather than cancelled the proposal.
• Rights advocates have condemned the plan as potential ethnic cleansing.
• Egypt continues to oppose taking in Palestinian refugees.
• US lawmakers have renewed calls for Washington to avoid enabling forced displacement.

Main Story

Katz Says Gaza Plan Is Still Alive

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has reignited debate over the future of Gaza after saying a plan to encourage Palestinians to leave the territory remains under consideration.

Speaking at a conference organised by Israeli publication Ynet, Katz argued that what Israeli officials have described as voluntary Palestinian “migration” would ultimately be necessary for Gaza.

His remarks suggest that the proposal has not been completely abandoned despite opposition from governments and rights groups.

Katz also claimed that US President Donald Trump had not scrapped the idea but had instead placed it on hold.

According to Katz, discussions around the proposal continue and could resume if Washington provides the necessary backing.

Trump’s Controversial Gaza Proposal

The issue gained international attention earlier in Trump’s presidency when he floated the idea of the United States taking control of Gaza and relocating Palestinians from the territory.

The proposal triggered widespread criticism, including from governments in the Middle East.

Critics argued that permanently removing Palestinians from Gaza would amount to forced displacement and could undermine Palestinians’ right to remain on their land.

A later US-backed ceasefire framework stated that Palestinians should not be forced to leave Gaza and that those who voluntarily depart should be allowed to return.

The agreement also called for conditions that would encourage Palestinians to remain and rebuild the territory.

Gaza Remains Under Pressure

Despite the ceasefire, conditions in Gaza have remained deeply challenging, with restrictions on humanitarian assistance and reconstruction continuing to generate international concern.

Katz has maintained that Israel is prepared to use extensive measures to achieve its objectives in Gaza.

However, Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, has resisted proposals that could result in a large-scale influx of Palestinian refugees.

Other countries have also been discussed as possible destinations for Palestinians, but Katz acknowledged that any such arrangement would require significant US involvement.

Rights Groups Raise Ethnic Cleansing Concerns

Palestinian rights advocates have long accused Israel of pursuing policies that could permanently alter Gaza’s demographic composition.

The latest comments from Katz have added fresh weight to those concerns, particularly because he openly framed Palestinian departure as part of what he considers a long-term solution for the territory.

The term “ethnic cleansing” is used by critics to describe the alleged forced or coercive removal of an ethnic or national population from a particular area. Whether specific actions meet that legal definition is a matter for competent international bodies and courts.

US Support Under Scrutiny

The United States remains one of Israel’s most important military and diplomatic supporters.

Washington has provided Israel with substantial military assistance while defending its ally at international institutions.

That relationship has come under increasing scrutiny from US lawmakers and rights advocates over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

US Senator Chris Van Hollen, who has previously raised concerns about the possibility of Palestinian displacement, said Katz’s comments reinforced warnings he and fellow Senator Jeff Merkley had made after visiting the Gaza-Egypt border.

Van Hollen argued that the United States should not support policies that could facilitate the permanent removal of Palestinians from Gaza.

The Bigger Question: Who Decides Gaza’s Future?

The dispute over Palestinian displacement comes as negotiations continue over Gaza’s security, reconstruction and political future.

Israel has insisted on the complete demilitarisation of Hamas, while proposals backed by Washington have sought to combine disarmament with an Israeli withdrawal and an end to hostilities.

The two sides have remained divided over the conditions required to move forward.

For Palestinians, however, the central issue extends beyond military arrangements.

It is also about whether Gaza’s residents will be able to remain on their land, rebuild their homes and determine their own future.

Katz’s latest remarks have therefore reopened one of the most contentious questions surrounding the conflict: whether plans for Gaza are ultimately about reconstruction and security, or about changing who is allowed to live there.