Israel Katz says Palestinians will leave Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on 1 September 2026 that Palestinians will eventually leave Gaza. Katz spoke at a conference hosted by Israeli outlet Ynet and the Israel Democracy Institute. Katz's assertion is based on surveys showing that 80 percent of Gazans surveyed would like to relocate to a third country through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.

Katz noted that Gaza's Palestinian population has not left the enclave due to Hamas's refusal and the lack of countries willing to accept them. He emphasized that Israel is prepared to facilitate the evacuation of Palestinians via sea, air, or any other means if conditions permit, with Egypt not willing to accept them. Katz also mentioned that accepting countries require US support, and currently, President Trump had frozen the plan.

The issue of accepting countries comes under pressure from the US, as seen with Arab countries coming to President Trump due to their pressure on the matter.