Israel will 'finish job' in Gaza and remove Palestinians: defence minister

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Wednesday that Israel is poised to resume full-scale war in Gaza and expel the two million Palestinians residing there. The comments came in response to criticism from a rival right-wing candidate ahead of the upcoming October 27 elections. Katz stated that 70% of Gaza's population had already been displaced during the Israeli offensive launched following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks, which resulted in the deadliest assault on Israel to date, claiming 1,221 lives and kidnapping 251 individuals.

Katz emphasized that the US President Donald Trump's announced October 2025 ceasefire holds significant importance for Israelis, as it could lead to the return of remaining hostages and secure a US commitment to disarm Hamas. However, he clarified that this outcome is unlikely, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are prepared, upon receiving the directive to eradicate Hamas, to complete the task and proceed with the planned migration of Palestinians.

Katz mentioned earlier this month that Israel is prepared to remove Palestinians from Gaza via sea and land but is awaiting a response from the United States, which he claimed was discussing the destination for the two million displaced individuals. The US Ambassador Mike Huckabee denied any intention to displace people against their will.

Katz described the migration plan as voluntary, asserting that the majority of Palestinians wish to leave. Overwhelmingly, Gaza's population has been internally displaced, and most of the territory is in ruins following the ongoing conflict. The Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, left 1,221 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 73,700 casualties, according to the territory's health ministry, whose figures are widely regarded as accurate by the United Nations. Despite the 11-month-old ceasefire, Israel has continued to conduct strikes in Gaza. As of now, 1,375 Palestinians have perished since the ceasefire took effect, while Hamas has declared readiness to disarm, a claim Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects until Hamas decommits all weapons.

Netanyahu also stated that Israel and Hamas will commence the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire soon.