the United States rejects comments by Israeli ministers on Palestinian “emigration” from Gaza

The Israeli Minister of National Security called on Monday for a return of Jewish settlers to Gaza and to “encourage” the Palestinian population to emigrate.

The American reaction was quick. The United States said, Tuesday January 2, “dismiss” comments made by Israeli ministers on a return of Jewish settlers to Gaza, after the current war, and aimed at “encourage” the Palestinian population to emigrate.

“The United States rejects recent statements by Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir advocating the relocation of Palestinians outside Gaza”State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, calling the remarks ““irresponsible”.

“Incendiary and irresponsible remarks”

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Monday called for a return of Jewish settlers to Gaza and “encourage” the Palestinian population to emigrate, the day after a similar call from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “I appeal to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, this is an opportunity to develop a project aimed at encouraging the emigration of Gaza residents to other countries around the world”he assured.

“These comments are inflammatory and irresponsible”declared the spokesperson for the State Department, indicating that “The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has repeatedly told us that these statements do not reflect the position of the Israeli government.” The United States believes “that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain Palestinian land” he added.