US ambassador signals Gaza displacement plan still under consideration
- US ambassador to ‘Israel’ says Palestinian relocation from Gaza remains “on the table”.
- Rafah crossing will not open until last prisoner is returned; US prioritizes disarming Hamas.
The US ambassador to ‘Israel’, Mike Huckabee, indicated that plans to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip are still under consideration, and that the Rafah crossing will remain closed for the time being.
When asked about a “displacement plan for Gaza residents”, Huckabee said, “I don’t think it has been removed from the table right now,” adding that “if people want to leave Gaza, they will be given the opportunity. This will depend on the countries willing to accept them,” while largely ignoring the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
Rafah crossing and Hamas
Regarding the Rafah crossing, Huckabee said he is “not sure that ‘Israel’ will open it before the last prisoner is returned,” and denied US pressure on ‘Israel’ to do so. He added that US priorities remain “disarming Hamas and securing the release of prisoners,” describing these issues as “top priority.”
West Bank settlements and Palestinian statehood
On the question of annexing parts of the West Bank, Huckabee claimed that “this is an issue ‘Israelis’ decide themselves,” asserting there is no known time limit. He noted that ‘Israel’ recently established 19 settlements in Area C, adding, “’Israelis’ have the right to live, this is fundamental. The Trump administration recognized this is not a violation of international law.”
Regarding a potential Palestinian state, Huckabee said it is “not important who the US president is.” He described the idea of a Palestinian state as “ambitious,” asking for clarification on borders, border control, and security for ‘Israelis’ before any meaningful discussions could occur.
