The US State Department released a statement strongly condemning the “inflammatory and irresponsible statements” made by Israeli Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. In the statement issued on Tuesday, Matthew Miller emphasized the rejection of any mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Miller asserted the consistent stance that Gaza is Palestinian territory and will remain so in the future. The vision outlined in the statement is for Gaza to be free from Hamas control and any threat from terrorist groups against Israel.
The US aims for a future that serves the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as contributing to stability in the surrounding region and the world.
Over the weekend, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked controversy by suggesting that if only 100,000 Palestinians lived in Gaza, Israelis could “make the desert bloom.” It’s important to note that the current population of Gaza stands at 2.3 million.
The US State Department’s response underscores its commitment to a peaceful resolution and the recognition of Gaza as Palestinian land.
