Israel seeks Trump's backing for plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza, defence minister says

Speaking at a conference hosted by Israeli news site Ynet and the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz stated that 'there was no real solution for Gaza in the end without this migration.' He said the Israeli government was 'organised and prepared to get them out by sea, by air, by every way possible.'

The comments represent the most explicit push by an Israeli official to seek US backing for what critics describe as ethnic cleansing. Forced population transfer is prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which bans the forcible removal of protected persons from occupied territory.

Katz's remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to reshape Middle East policy, though no official US response has been reported. The plan, if pursued, would likely face severe international condemnation and could deepen regional instability.

Why This Matters

Forced expulsion of a civilian population constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and could trigger war crimes investigations.
The proposal threatens to fundamentally alter the demographics of Gaza and undermine any future two-state solution.
Seeking US support signals a potential shift in American foreign policy under a second Trump term, with far-reaching consequences for the region.

Background

The Gaza Strip has been under Israeli military occupation and blockade since 1967, with recurring cycles of conflict between Israel and Hamas. International law prohibits the forcible transfer of civilians from occupied territory, a principle affirmed by multiple UN resolutions. Previous Israeli governments have rejected mass expulsion as a policy, but the current far-right coalition has made resettlement a more prominent demand.

Key Perspectives

Israeli Government: Argues that voluntary migration is the only way to end Hamas control and rebuild Gaza, though Katz's language suggests compulsion. The defence minister believes US backing could tip the regional balance in favour of forced resettlement. Palestinian Leadership: Has consistently rejected any plan that would displace Palestinians from their homeland, viewing it as an attempt to liquidate the Palestinian cause. International Community: The proposal has been widely condemned as a potential war crime. The UN and human rights organisations have called on all parties to uphold international law.

What to Watch

Whether Trump or his administration publicly endorses or distances itself from the plan.
Reactions from key Arab states, including Egypt and Jordan, which have historically resisted mass displacement.
Potential emergency sessions at the UN Security Council or International Criminal Court.

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