US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, through the US Embassy in Indonesia press statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday, stated that the United States rejects recent statements from Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir who are advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza.
Miller noted that the rhetoric is inflammatory and irresponsible, and they should stop immediately.
“We have been told repeatedly and consistently by the Government of Israel, including by the prime minister, that such statements do not reflect the policy of the Israeli government,” Miller remarked.
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He also said that they have been clear, consistent, and unequivocal that Gaza is and will remain Palestinian land, with Hamas no longer in control of its future and with no terror groups able to threaten Israel.
“That is the future we seek, in the interests of Israelis and Palestinians, the surrounding region, and the world,” Miller affirmed.
Earlier, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich encouraged “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, claiming that Palestinians have been living in a ghetto for 75 years, and they wanted to leave.
In addition, Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, stated that the war in Gaza is an opportunity for Palestinians to migrate, claiming that Israel has partners around the world that could help absorb several Palestinians from Gaza.
Gvir also noted that by encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza, it would allow Israelis residing around the Gaza Strip to return to their settlements.
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Reporter: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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