Libya's parliament speaker 'categorically' rejects plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza

By Moataz Wanees and Rania Abu Shamala

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - Libyan House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh reaffirmed Thursday his absolute and unequivocal rejection of any plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza or other Palestinian territories.

Saleh made the remarks during a speech at the inauguration ceremony of Benghazi International Stadium, which was restored by a Turkish company after remaining closed for 16 years.

The event was attended by Libya's Parliament-appointed Prime Minister, Osama Hammad, Benghazi-based military commander Khalifa Haftar, several Libyan officials and representatives from the Turkish company responsible for the renovation.

In his speech, Saleh warned that “dangerous conspiracies are being orchestrated to liquidate the Palestinian cause following 15 months of massacres against the people of Gaza, witnessed live by the world as Israel slaughtered unarmed civilians, including women and children.”

He strongly emphasized that the “forced displacement of even a single Palestinian is categorically rejected, let alone the mass expulsion of all residents of Gaza.”

Saleh called on everyone to “clearly and loudly” voice their absolute rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and other Palestinian towns and villages.

The Libyan speaker pointed out that “Palestinians have been enduring a prolonged and brutal cycle of aggression and violations beyond any logic or reason.”

He further asserted that “remaining silent in the face of Israel's crimes is even more appalling than the war crimes themselves.”

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for “taking over” Gaza and resettling its population to redevelop the enclave into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” The idea has been vehemently rejected by the Arab world and many other nations, who say it amounts to ethnic cleansing.

Trump's proposal emerged after a ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, pausing Israel’s 15-month onslaught, which has killed more than 48,300 people and left the enclave in ruins.