U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated definitively on Saturday that there are no plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, countering recent proposals from two Israeli ministers advocating for mass removal.
Huckabee addressed reporters in Turmus Ayya, a Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, asserting, "I can tell you categorically there is no plan of the Israelis to displace people out of Gaza against their will." He elaborated that while there should be an openness for individuals who wish to leave to have that right, incarcerating people against their will would be a "just disgrace."
"Nobody is suggesting that there will be forced displacement. The Israelis are not. The Americans are certainly not. I know of no one who supports that," Huckabee emphasized, aiming to quell concerns raised by earlier statements.
These remarks followed proposals made by Israeli officials this week. Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested on Wednesday that a long-term solution for Gaza would necessitate "migration," while far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir outlined a seven-year plan on Thursday for the "voluntary emigration" of Gaza's population.
Israel is scheduled to hold a general election on October 27.
