United States rejects Israeli proposals to remove Palestinians from Gaza

The United States has publicly rejected proposals from Israeli officials to remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This stance comes in response to comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who suggested that de-populating Gaza through migration is the only solution to the ongoing crisis.

A spokesperson for the US State Department emphasized adherence to the 20-point peace plan established last year, noting that under Point 12, ‘No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return.’ The US stated it does not support any plans involving the forced displacement, expulsion, or mandatory transfer of the Gaza population.

Minister Katz indicated that the Israeli government is prepared to facilitate Palestinian departures ‘by sea, by air and by any means to do it,’ asserting that the concept of migration remains under discussion. Arab states have also expressed strong opposition to any efforts to remove Palestinians from their territory.