Israel Katz says Gaza depopulation remains only solution

September 3, 2026 at 02:19 AM2 min

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that depopulating Gaza remains the only solution, describing Palestinian migration as essential. Katz added that US President Donald Trump has frozen, not cancelled, the plan. His remarks came as Israel continues near-daily attacks on Gaza and restricts aid under the October 2025 ceasefire.

Key Facts

Israel Katz said there is no real solution for Gaza without Palestinian migration, calling it the only solution.
Katz said US President Donald Trump has frozen, not cancelled, the depopulation plan.
The October 2025 ceasefire agreement states no one will be forced to leave Gaza and those who leave may return.
Egypt refuses to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
The US has provided Israel about $25bn in military aid over the past three years.

Katz's Remarks

Speaking at a conference organised by Israeli publication Ynet on Wednesday, Katz said de-populating Gaza remains the only solution. He stated that in the end, there is no real solution for Gaza without this migration. Katz said the Israeli government is prepared to take Gaza by sea, by air and by any means to do it. He added that other countries that may accept displaced Palestinians require US support but emphasised that Washington has not dropped the proposal altogether.

US Position and Ceasefire

Trump backed the depopulation idea early in his presidency, saying the US would take over Gaza and own the territory once Palestinians are removed. The proposal was met with outrage from Middle Eastern countries, including governments allied with Washington. Trump subsequently sponsored a ceasefire deal that explicitly asserted Palestinians' right to remain in their land. The 12-point agreement says no one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. Since the ceasefire came into effect in October 2025, Israel has continued to restrict aid to Gaza and has prevented reconstruction while carrying out near daily attacks against Palestinians.

Regional and International Context

Egypt, which borders the Palestinian territory, is refusing to take in Palestinian refugees. Over the past three years, the US has given Israel about $25bn in military aid and defended the Israeli government at international forums. The US has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court officials investigating the atrocities in Gaza.