Israel Defense Minister Claims Arab Nations Pressured Trump on Gaza Emigration Plan

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that a plan to facilitate the departure of residents from the Gaza Strip remains suspended due to pressure from several Arab nations on former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at a conference, Katz asserted that the administration tasked with managing emigration was prepared to organize departures by sea, air, or any other means, but that "there is ultimately no real solution for Gaza." He noted that Egypt refuses to allow departures to transit through its territory.

Katz claimed that approximately 80% of Gaza's inhabitants wish to leave, citing unspecified polls. However, he also stated that Hamas prevents these departures and that no country is currently willing to accept Gazans without U.S. backing. "All countries willing to receive them want American approval," he explained.

The defense minister alleged that several Arab countries asked Trump to freeze the emigration project in exchange for investments and their support for disarming Hamas. "Trump did not cancel it, he froze it," Katz insisted, adding that the issue is still discussed and could be revived if Hamas fails to meet its commitments. Neither the White House nor the concerned Arab states immediately confirmed these statements.

Katz also reported that about 70% of Gaza is now "practically deserted," with no inhabitants, housing, or functional tunnels. He stated that Israel maintains strategic control, particularly along the Philadelphian corridor on the Egyptian border, where the IDF claims to prevent arms smuggling. According to Katz, Hamas remains present in just over 30% of the territory as Israeli forces continue operations against its infrastructure.

These remarks coincided with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit near the demarcation line separating IDF-controlled areas from Hamas strongholds. Netanyahu vowed that the army would maintain its positions until the Islamist movement is disarmed and Gaza is demilitarized.