Israel's Defense Minister Revives Gaza Emigration Plan Discussion

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that plans to facilitate the mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza remain under discussion and were only temporarily suspended by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at a conference organized by "Yediot Ahronot," Katz emphasized that without population migration, a real solution to the Gaza problem cannot be found, according to The Times of Israel.

Katz claimed that approximately 80 percent of Gaza's residents wish to leave, but the primary obstacle is the lack of countries willing to accept them. He added that if other nations agree to provide refuge, the Israeli government would be prepared to organize the transport of people by sea, air, or any other available means. The minister also asserted that Hamas hinders the free departure of the local population.

The idea of mass resettlement was previously discussed after Donald Trump proposed turning the coastal territory into a resort area. This initiative faced strong opposition from Arab states and Palestinians, leading Washington to temporarily abandon the project. However, Katz believes the plan is not definitively closed and could be implemented in the future if current arrangements fail.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military outpost in Gaza, confirming that Israeli forces do not plan to withdraw from controlled territories. Despite a ceasefire agreement, the army continues operations to prevent threats, and the region remains contested between the IDF, Hezbollah, and other radical groups.