Israel defense minister says Gaza assault and expulsion of 2 million Palestinians imminent

September 16, 2026 at 01:38 PM2 min

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Key Facts

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said resuming full-scale attacks on Gaza and expelling about 2 million Palestinians is imminent.
Katz claimed Gaza's population has already fallen by 70 percent since October 2023 due to Israeli attacks.
Gaza's Health Ministry reports more than 73,000 Palestinians killed and over 174,000 wounded since October 2023.
A ceasefire has been in effect in Gaza since October 10, 2025, but Israeli strikes continue.

Katz's Threat

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said on September 16 that resuming full-scale attacks on the Gaza Strip and implementing a plan to expel about 2 million Palestinians is imminent. Katz stated the Israeli military is ready to 'finish the job' and carry out the expulsion plan as soon as the order for a comprehensive assault is given. He said everyone knows Hamas will not voluntarily disarm, referring to a condition that could have averted the offensive. Earlier this month, Katz said Israel was prepared to expel Palestinians from Gaza by sea and land but was waiting for the United States, which is discussing where 2 million people would go.

Casualties and Displacement

Katz claimed Gaza's population has already fallen by 70 percent since October 2023 because of Israeli attacks. Gaza's Health Ministry reports more than 73,000 Palestinians killed and over 174,000 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 2023. A ceasefire has been in effect in Gaza since October 10, 2025, but the Israeli military continues to carry out frequent strikes on the territory.

US Position

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee rejected any plan to expel people from Gaza against their will. Katz said Israel was waiting for the United States, which is discussing where 2 million Palestinians would go under the expulsion plan.