US lawmakers voice strong opposition to displacement of Palestinians in Gaza

A group of US lawmakers, led by Ayanna Pressley and Jamie Raskin, have expressed their strong opposition to any potential forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, in a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The letter referenced a proposal by the Israeli Ministry of Intelligence dated 13 October 2023 suggesting the forcible transfer of 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

Later conversations between President Biden and leaders of Egypt and Jordan, however, included assurance against any forced relocation from Gaza or the West Bank.

The lawmakers also addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 1.8 million Palestinians, nearly 80 percent of the population, are internally displaced due to ongoing war.

They urged the Israeli government to increase humanitarian aid and ensure that any Palestinians leaving Gaza voluntarily for safety have the right to return.

The letter also sought clarification on President Biden’s supplemental humanitarian and security funding request to Congress, aimed at addressing the needs of Gazans potentially fleeing to neighbouring countries.

They emphasised the need to avoid any implications of US support for the transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza.

The group of lawmakers, which includes prominent figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, called for the United States to continue its commitment to a future where Israelis and Palestinians coexist in peace.