Israel Prepares for Resumed Gaza Offensive and Mass Relocation, Says Defence Minister Israel Katz

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said Israel could resume full-scale military operations in Gaza and move to remove Palestinians from the territory, as political tensions rise ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections. Katz made the remarks on Wednesday while responding to criticism from another right-wing political contender. His comments come amid continued tensions over the future of Gaza despite a US-backed ceasefire announced in October 2025. Katz said about 70% of Gaza had already been emptied of its population during Israel’s military offensive, which began after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Israel has said its military campaign was aimed at dismantling Hamas and preventing further attacks.

The conflict has caused extensive destruction and mass displacement across the Gaza Strip, with hostilities and Israeli strikes continuing despite the 2025 ceasefire. Reuters reported this week that Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least five Palestinians, including two children, according to Palestinian health officials and Hamas sources. The Israeli defence minister has previously spoken publicly about removing Palestinians from Gaza. Earlier this month, Katz said there was no lasting solution for Gaza without what he described as Palestinian “migration”. He said Israel remained prepared to facilitate such a process, while describing the plan as currently frozen following the US-backed ceasefire arrangement.

The comments have drawn international concern, while the United States has said it does not support any plan to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza. Katz also referred to the October 2025 ceasefire, describing it as having “supreme value for all Israelis”. He said the agreement had resulted in the return of remaining Israeli hostages and included a US commitment to the disarmament of Hamas. Under the ceasefire framework, Israeli forces were initially required to withdraw to a designated line inside Gaza, while Hamas was expected to disarm under the broader US-backed plan. The arrangement, however, has remained fragile, with Israel and Hamas continuing to accuse each other of violations.

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Israel’s military control over parts of Gaza has also expanded since the ceasefire. In May, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had instructed the Israeli military to increase its control of the territory to 70%, from about 60% at the time. Israeli sources later said the military controlled between 67% and 70% of Gaza. The expansion has raised concerns about further displacement and the long-term status of the territory. The latest comments come as Israeli political parties prepare for the October election, adding a domestic political dimension to the debate over Gaza’s future. Other members of Netanyahu’s government have also advocated plans for Palestinian “voluntary emigration”, while Netanyahu has supported the concept but rejected some proposals for permanent resettlement.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said earlier this month that the government had no plans to deport Palestinians from Gaza. The differing statements illustrate the continuing debate within Israel over the territory’s future and the status of its Palestinian population. The situation remains unsettled, with Israel continuing to demand the disarmament of Hamas while Palestinian officials and international organisations warn about the humanitarian consequences of continued military operations and displacement. The United Nations has also raised concerns over access restrictions and the recovery of human remains from destroyed areas. Against that backdrop, Katz’s latest remarks have renewed attention on Israel’s stated military objectives, proposals concerning Palestinian migration and the future of the October 2025 ceasefire.

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