Israeli defence minister says Gaza solution requires depopulation

Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, asserted on Thursday that a lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict “cannot be achieved without depopulating the territory,” a statement that has drawn swift condemnation from international officials and human‑rights groups. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Katz framed the comment as a strategic assessment of the security challenges facing Israel, arguing that the dense civilian population in Gaza hampers efforts to neutralize militant infrastructure. He did not elaborate on specific policies or timelines, but emphasized that any future peace framework must address what he described as the “demographic realities” of the enclave.

The remarks have heightened diplomatic tensions, with the United Nations, the European Union and several Arab states urging Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law and to pursue solutions that protect civilian populations. Critics argue that Katz’s language echoes calls for forced displacement, which are prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention. Israeli officials have defended the minister’s right to express his views, while opposition parties within Israel have called for a more measured discourse. The episode underscores the deepening divide over how to achieve a durable ceasefire and a political settlement in the protracted Gaza dispute.