Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Wednesday that plans are in place to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, pending approval from the United States regarding potential resettlement destinations. Speaking at a conference organized by Israeli media outlets Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz said Israel is prepared to carry out the relocation "by sea, by air, by every way possible," but emphasized that the initiative depends on coordination with Washington.

The issue traces back to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump at the start of his second term, when he unexpectedly suggested that all two million Palestinians in Gaza should be moved elsewhere. This proposal met widespread condemnation, including from Egypt — which shares a border with Gaza — and from Palestinians, for whom such displacement recalls the mass forced expulsions known as the Nakba during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

Katz characterized Trump's suggestion as "frozen" rather than abandoned, explaining that the U.S. continues to seek countries willing to accept Palestinian refugees, with Egypt ruled out as a recipient. He added that Israel would pursue relocation once it is clear that Hamas is not upholding its commitments under the current ceasefire agreement.

The planned displacement is controversial and raises significant legal and humanitarian concerns. Under the Geneva Conventions, forced transfer of civilians in occupied territories is considered a war crime. The International Criminal Court has charged Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with war crimes related to military operations in Gaza.

The Gaza Strip has experienced significant upheaval amid ongoing Israeli military actions that have displaced most of the area’s population. Since the latest conflict began, the Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 people in Gaza, with over 1,300 casualties reported since the establishment of a ceasefire.

Israel’s commitment to relocate Gaza’s population, pending U.S. approval, underscores the continuing complexity and volatility of the region’s humanitarian and political landscape.