US Ambassador Denies Plans for Palestinian Displacement from Gaza

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, stated on Saturday that there are no plans to force Palestinians to leave Gaza. This comes after two Israeli ministers proposed plans last week for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from the coastal strip.

Speaking to reporters in the West Bank town of Turmus Ayya, Lew emphatically stated, "I can tell you unequivocally that there is no plan by the Israelis to deport the population from Gaza against their will." He added that while there is an openness to the idea that residents should have the right to leave if they wish, "holding them in a place they do not wish to be is, in my opinion, a very shameful thing."

Lew further clarified, "No one is suggesting forced displacement. The Israelis are not suggesting it. The Americans are certainly not suggesting it. And I don't know anyone who supports it." His remarks followed statements from Israeli officials earlier in the week. Israeli Minister of Security, Yoav Gallant, said on Wednesday that "ultimately, there is no real solution for Gaza without this emigration." Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had presented a seven-year plan on Thursday for the removal of Gaza's population through what he termed "voluntary emigration."

Israel is scheduled to hold general elections on October 27.