Israeli Defence Minister Says Gaza War Has No ‘Real Solution’ Without Displacement of Palestinians

GAZA — Israel’s Defence Minister has said he sees no “real solution” to the war in Gaza without the removal of the territory’s Palestinian civilian population, renewing controversy over proposals that could lead to the mass displacement of Palestinians from the besieged enclave.
The minister said Israel was prepared to facilitate the departure of Gaza’s population through “sea, air and every other possible means” if conditions allowed. He claimed that Hamas remained unwilling to leave Gaza, presenting the removal of the civilian population as part of a possible strategy for resolving the conflict.
According to the minister, Egypt does not want to become an exit route for Palestinians leaving Gaza. Any large-scale displacement, he suggested, would therefore depend on other countries agreeing to receive Palestinians from the territory.
He identified the willingness of third countries to accept displaced Palestinians as one of the main obstacles to the proposal. The minister said countries considering such a role were seeking political and diplomatic backing from the United States.
He also addressed US President Donald Trump’s previously discussed proposal concerning the future of Gaza, arguing that the plan had not been abandoned but temporarily put on hold amid pressure from Arab governments.
“The time will come when Hamas fails to fulfil its commitments, and then we will receive the green light,” the minister said.
The remarks are likely to intensify international debate over the future of Gaza, particularly amid continued concerns over civilian protection, forced displacement and the conditions under which Palestinians could remain or leave the territory. Any mass removal of Gaza’s civilian population would raise significant questions under international humanitarian law and could trigger further regional and international opposition.
The comments also underline the unresolved divide over Gaza’s post-war future: while Israel continues to focus on eliminating Hamas and reshaping the territory’s security arrangements, Arab states and much of the international community have repeatedly emphasized the need to protect Palestinian civilians and preserve their right to remain in, or return to, their homes.