The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated on Saturday (September 5th) that there is currently no plan to forcibly remove Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, following a proposal by two Israeli ministers earlier this week to collectively move them out.
As high-ranking Israeli cabinet members repeatedly propose the “expulsion of Gaza residents,” US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee clarified on Saturday in the West Bank of the Jordan River that both Israel and the US currently have no plans to compel Palestinians to leave the coastal territory.
During his visit to the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya in the West Bank, Huckabee emphasized while meeting with local Palestinian Americans, “I can say categorically that Israel has no plan to violate the will and forcibly move people out of Gaza.”
“No one is suggesting forced relocation. Neither the Israelis nor, of course, the Americans,” he said. “I don’t know of anyone supporting such a practice.”
Israeli Minister of Public Security Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed a seven-year plan on Thursday (September 3rd), advocating for the voluntary migration of 250,000 Palestinians out of Gaza in the first year, followed by gradually emptying the remaining nearly 2 million population over the next six years. Defense Minister Israel Katz also openly stated on Wednesday (September 2nd) that if the migration plan is not agreed upon, “Gaza will eventually have no solution,” and Israel is prepared to assist in coordinating the relocation by sea or land, discussing the matter with the US.
Katz also mentioned that 80% of Gaza’s population wants to leave, but Hamas is preventing them from doing so. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, leading to a war in Gaza controlled by the Palestinian extremist organization.
Huckabee pointed out on Saturday that the US position advocates for “openness” and that if Palestinians choose to leave voluntarily, they should have that right. However, forcibly trapping people in a place they do not wish to stay is an “absolute disgrace.” Coercing the transfer of civilians in occupied territories, according to the Geneva Conventions, has been recognized as a war crime.
During the visit, Huckabee also addressed the significant escalation in violence by West Bank settlers in recent years. He directly pointed out that settler actions such as land encroachment, vehicle burnings, and mosque desecrations are “not just crimes but acts of terror,” calling on the Israeli government to take concrete action to investigate and punish those responsible, ensuring all residents can live in a secure environment.
Local authorities told reporters that Huckabee met with around 10 Palestinian-American residents, who described the impact of violence on their lives and properties.
This debate on population transfer comes amid a politically sensitive period in Israeli politics, as the country is set to hold elections on October 27th.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters, AFP, AP, and The Times of Israel)