TEL AVIV – In a surprising turn in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Israel is prepared to evacuate 75 percent of occupied Gaza territory. This announcement signals a potential shift in the long-standing Israeli-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in immense loss of life and infrastructure damage over recent months.
A New Phase in the Gaza Conflict?
According to a report by international media, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will soon initiate steps to evacuate the majority of Gaza under Israeli control. “After tomorrow, Gaza will be seen without Hamas,” Katz declared, emphasizing that Israeli forces are nearing their objectives and are reconsidering the necessity of ongoing operations in densely populated regions of the territory.
The remarks come amid growing global pressure on Israel to reduce its military footprint in Gaza following extensive destruction, a spiraling humanitarian crisis, and rising concerns for the fate of hostages held by Hamas.
Military Strategy and Shift in Tactics
Defense Minister Katz indicated that only 25 percent of Gaza remains under active Israeli military operation. He stated that prolonging operations in this remaining section may not yield any additional strategic advantage and could, in fact, jeopardize the lives of the remaining hostages.
Katz also revealed that Israel is currently considering halting its ground offensive in large areas of Gaza, particularly those already cleared of Hamas infrastructure. Israeli analysts say this may reflect an intention to move toward a post-conflict stabilization phase or a limited ceasefire to reset international diplomacy.
Hostage Negotiations and Ceasefire Talks
Significantly, Israel Katz also expressed hope for a possible 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. This truce would potentially involve the release of 10 living hostages and the return of the bodies of at least half of the deceased captives held by Hamas.
While Katz admitted that a final agreement has not yet been reached, he expressed confidence that the remaining gaps could be bridged through diplomatic negotiations during the ceasefire window. These developments have raised cautious optimism among observers, who have long called for dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further civilian casualties and regional instability.
Background: Timeline of the Latest Conflict
The recent escalation began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and dozens of hostages taken into Gaza. Israel responded with a massive military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas’ leadership, infrastructure, and weapons stockpiles.
Since then, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes, ground raids, and urban warfare across Gaza. More than 36,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, including thousands of women and children. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, and over 1.7 million people have been displaced, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent Middle Eastern history.
International Reaction and Mounting Pressure
Israel’s aggressive campaign has come under increasing scrutiny from the United Nations, human rights organizations, and major global powers. The United States, while traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has publicly urged restraint in recent months, particularly regarding civilian casualties and access to humanitarian aid.
In parallel, public protests across Western cities have condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and more proactive engagement from the international community.
Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been ongoing behind the scenes, aiming to broker a truce that would include humanitarian corridors, hostage release, and potentially pave the way for post-war reconstruction and political dialogue.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
With 75% of Gaza facing destruction or displacement, humanitarian organizations have reported severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and fuel. The UN has described the situation in Gaza as “beyond catastrophic,” with several agencies warning of imminent famine and disease outbreaks.
The recent announcement by Katz, if materialized, could alleviate pressure on humanitarian groups and allow much-needed relief to reach civilians trapped in conflict zones. However, aid agencies remain skeptical until concrete steps are taken on the ground.
What the Evacuation Might Look Like
Israeli officials have not yet detailed what form the proposed 75% evacuation will take. Analysts believe it could involve a drawdown of Israeli troops, withdrawal from certain zones, and handing over temporary administration to international peacekeeping or humanitarian agencies under UN supervision.
Others speculate that Israel might be preparing for a controlled buffer zone near its borders, which would allow for tighter security while stepping back from prolonged urban warfare that has drained military and financial resources.
Political Implications Inside Israel
The announcement also comes at a time when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under intense domestic pressure. Divisions have emerged within the Israeli war cabinet regarding the scope and direction of the conflict. While Defense Minister Katz has favored diplomatic engagement, hardliners in Netanyahu’s coalition continue to call for a complete eradication of Hamas regardless of civilian toll.
Public opinion in Israel is also increasingly focused on the fate of the hostages, with families staging sit-ins and protests outside government buildings, demanding that the return of captives be prioritized over continued military operations.
Hamas’s Response and Regional Implications
Hamas has yet to issue an official statement responding to Katz’s announcement. However, sources close to the group told regional media outlets that they are open to ceasefire negotiations under international guarantees, especially if it involves the lifting of the Israeli blockade and the rebuilding of Gaza.
Meanwhile, regional players such as Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various Palestinian factions are watching developments closely. Any major shift in Israel’s policy could influence broader regional dynamics, including tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border and the fragile peace in the West Bank.
Conclusion: Cautious Optimism with Complex Challenges
While Israel’s declaration that it is ready to evacuate 75 percent of Gaza represents a major strategic and political development, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with complexity. Key questions remain unanswered: Will the ceasefire hold? Will Hamas abide by the conditions? What role will the international community play in ensuring justice, reconstruction, and accountability?
Defense Minister Katz’s comments have opened a window for hope, but the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether this marks the beginning of the end of the war—or merely a pause in a much longer conflict.
