State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, responding to journalists’ questions about the future of Gaza, highlighted that the United States adheres to the four principles established by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
These principles are that the forced eviction of Palestinians is unacceptable, Gaza cannot be used as a platform for terrorism against other countries, Gaza cannot be reoccupied and the territory of the strip must not be reduced.
“When we talk about no forced displacement, there is a difference between people fleeing danger – which we fully support – and those who are forced to leave Gaza, which we oppose. Israel has publicly stated that it hopes that people will be able to return to their homes and neighborhoods once the conflict ends,” Miller explained.
Responding to journalists’ concerns that refugees would have nowhere to return due to the widespread destruction in northern Gaza during the military operation, a State Department spokesperson said the United States hopes that the bombed areas of Gaza will be rebuilt. .
“We will discuss this with our partners in the region. It is too early to discuss this now,” Miller emphasized.
One of the journalists cited data from the Gaza Ministry of Health, controlled by Hamas (a terrorist group recognized in the United States), according to which more than 11,000 Palestinians died during the Israeli operation, which was a response to the October attacks. 7 terrorist attacks. The journalist asked if the State Department supported the continuation of violence.
In response, Miller referred to Blinken’s words that too many civilians had already died.
“We would like Israel to take measures to minimize civilian casualties. And we would like Hamas to stop using civilians as human shields, which they do cynically,” Miller said.
He added that Israel is already taking steps to minimize civilian casualties, but at the same time, he said, the State Department believes there are other measures they can implement.
