Israeli Defense Minister Advocates Palestinian Emigration from Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday, September 2, that the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip remains a viable option for resolving the conflict. Speaking at a conference organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz acknowledged the lack of a current solution but asserted that an "Emigration Authority" is prepared to facilitate departures by sea or air. He claimed that 80% of Gaza's residents wish to emigrate, but Hamas prevents their departure, and no country has yet agreed to accept them. Katz noted that any nation considering accepting Gazans requires U.S. support, and that former President Trump's administration had "frozen" the issue rather than abandoning it. He suggested that Arab states pressured Washington to halt emigration, offering investments and promises to disarm Hamas in exchange. Katz believes emigration would be the best outcome for all parties and that the U.S. will eventually grant approval when it recognizes Hamas's non-compliance. He described Gaza's current state as 70% uninhabitable desert, with the destruction of Hamas's extensive tunnel network being a priority. He stated that Hamas controls about 30% of the territory and that Israel maintains strategic control, reinforcing the border, including the Philadelphi Corridor, to prevent arms smuggling.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an army checkpoint in Gaza, accompanied by senior military officials. Netanyahu reiterated Israel's goal of disarming and demilitarizing Hamas, stating that Gaza will no longer pose a threat. He claimed that Israel controls approximately 60% of Gaza's territory and is continuing operations to eliminate terrorists, citing the recent capture of a Hamas intelligence chief. Netanyahu indicated that the primary objectives of disarming and demilitarizing Gaza have been largely achieved, with only the final stages remaining. The article notes a discrepancy between Netanyahu's claim of 60% territorial control and Katz's figure of 70%, which has been observed by foreign media.