Vice President Harris Affirms US Stance on Forced Relocation and Gaza Border Redrawing

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
02/12/2023 20h11

Vice President Kamala Harris has asserted that the United States will not permit the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or any redrawing of the current borders of the region. During a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Saturday, Harris reiterated Washington's stance on the matter.

According to a statement from the vice president's office, Harris firmly stated, "Under no circumstances will the United States permit the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, the besiegement of Gaza, or the redrawing of the borders of Gaza."

Harris, who is currently attending the COP 28 summit in Dubai, has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts and discussions with key leaders from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan. She expressed concerns over the high civilian suffering in Gaza and emphasized the need for post-conflict planning.

While acknowledging Israel's legitimate military objectives in Gaza, Harris emphasized that the civilian casualties and the distressing images emerging from the enclave are deeply saddening. During a press conference in Dubai, she stated, "Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed... It is truly heartbreaking."

Regional leaders, such as Jordan's King Abdullah II, have also expressed concerns about the potential for Israel to seize parts of Gaza or forcibly expel its Palestinian residents amidst the ongoing conflict. The exact post-conflict plans of Israel remain unclear, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioning a security role without elaborating further.

In their meeting, Harris and President el-Sisi discussed ideas for post-conflict planning in Gaza, focusing on reconstruction, security, and governance. The statement highlighted the importance of pursuing these efforts in the context of a clear political horizon for the Palestinian people, leading towards a state of their own with support from the international community and regional countries.

Additionally, Vice President Harris held discussions with the Emir of Qatar following the breakdown of negotiations between Israel and Hamas over resuming a pause in hostilities. She has been actively involved in numerous calls between President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Emir of Qatar, and the President of Egypt.

While mediators continue to negotiate between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli prime minister's office announced the recall of their negotiating team, stating that the talks had reached a "dead end." The situation remains fluid as efforts continue to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Harris's reaffirmation of the United States' stance on forced relocation and border redrawing reflects the country's commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and advocating for a political solution that ensures the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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