Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday, September 16, that the Israeli military was prepared to "complete the work" in Gaza and evacuate its two million residents. His comments came during the country’s electoral campaign for legislative elections scheduled for late October. Katz made the remarks in response to a political rival who had criticized the government for announcing the previous day that they had killed a Hamas commander in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Katz referenced the Israeli military’s operations since the beginning of the conflict, which began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023. He said that Israel had already "evacuated Rafah and 70% of Gaza," indicating significant military advances. He also mentioned a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025, brokered by the United States. According to Katz, this agreement was valuable as it facilitated the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and signaled U.S. support for disarming Hamas, the group controlling the Palestinian territory. Katz reiterated that Israel was prepared to carry out a plan to evacuate Gaza’s population, though he claimed the government was awaiting U.S. approval. He suggested that the U.S. was first trying to determine where the two million Gazans would be relocated. The American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, denied any such plan involving forced displacement. Katz insisted the plan was voluntary, claiming that most Palestinians wished to leave. However, the forced displacement of civilians is considered a war crime under international law. Gaza has been nearly entirely depopulated within its own territory due to the ongoing conflict, which has caused widespread destruction. While the Israeli government describes its plans as voluntary, the international community and humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the potential for mass displacement and the humanitarian consequences it could entail.