KABUL (Pajhwok): The US State Department says Washington does not support any plan or proposal for the forced expulsion, displacement or transfer of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, a media report said on Saturday.
The statement came in response to remarks by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said depopulating Gaza was the only “solution” to the crisis.
A US State Department spokesperson told Al Jazeera on Friday that Washington remained committed to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.
“No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza,” the spokesperson said.
“The United States does not support any plan or proposal for the forced displacement, expulsion or mandatory transfer of the population of Gaza,” he added.
The spokesperson said any displacement must be entirely voluntary, adding that Washington’s focus remained on “disarmament, stability and rebuilding Gaza for the benefit of its residents.”
Katz said last Wednesday that Trump had not withdrawn his support for removing Palestinians from Gaza but had “paused” the plan.
“Ultimately, without this migration, there is no real solution for Gaza,” Katz said.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also backed Katz’s remarks the following day and called for the “migration” of Palestinians from Gaza.
Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forward by Trump in October last year, but Israeli attacks on Gaza have continued.
kk/sa
