Saudi Arabia, EU condemn Israeli officials’ calls for Gazan resettlement

Saudi Arabia, along with several European nations, including the Netherlands and Slovenia, joined the United States in denouncing remarks by far-right Israeli officials advocating for the resettlement of Gazans outside of Gaza. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements during the conflict with Hamas have drawn international criticism.

In a strongly worded statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed condemnation and categorically rejected what it termed as “extremist statements” by the two Israeli ministers. The statement emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable for violating international legitimacy and humanitarian law.

European Union members echoed the condemnation, with the Dutch Foreign Ministry stating that the comments were inconsistent with a future two-state solution. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had previously criticized the Israeli officials’ remarks.

Addressing the criticism, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller asserted that Israel had assured the US that the statements did not reflect the government’s policy. However, Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir, while acknowledging the US as a “good friend,” insisted that encouraging Gazan emigration would enhance Israeli security.

Finance Minister Smotrich also responded, citing concerns about living in proximity to a perceived “hotbed of hatred and terrorism.” The ongoing discussion on post-war Gaza governance, involving US officials and regional allies, highlights the complexity of addressing the situation beyond the immediate conflict.

Miller reiterated the US stance, emphasizing that Gaza is Palestinian land, and the goal is a future without Hamas control, ensuring security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The international community closely watches developments as diplomatic efforts focus on a sustainable resolution amid heightened tensions.

Saudi Arabia, along with several European nations, including the Netherlands and Slovenia, joined the United States in denouncing remarks by far-right Israeli officials advocating for the resettlement of Gazans outside of Gaza. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s statements during the conflict with Hamas have drawn international criticism.

In a strongly worded statement, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed condemnation and categorically rejected what it termed as “extremist statements” by the two Israeli ministers. The statement emphasized the need for concerted international efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable for violating international legitimacy and humanitarian law.

European Union members echoed the condemnation, with the Dutch Foreign Ministry stating that the comments were inconsistent with a future two-state solution. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had previously criticized the Israeli officials’ remarks.

Addressing the criticism, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller asserted that Israel had assured the US that the statements did not reflect the government’s policy. However, Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir, while acknowledging the US as a “good friend,” insisted that encouraging Gazan emigration would enhance Israeli security.

Finance Minister Smotrich also responded, citing concerns about living in proximity to a perceived “hotbed of hatred and terrorism.” The ongoing discussion on post-war Gaza governance, involving US officials and regional allies, highlights the complexity of addressing the situation beyond the immediate conflict.

Miller reiterated the US stance, emphasizing that Gaza is Palestinian land, and the goal is a future without Hamas control, ensuring security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The international community closely watches developments as diplomatic efforts focus on a sustainable resolution amid heightened tensions.