RAMALLAH / PNN/ 

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said his visit to the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya in the occupied West Bank aimed to “understand the situation on the ground,” noting that there are issues in the area that require attention.

Speaking during the visit, Huckabee said the Israeli government must “ensure the safety and security of residents in the West Bank,” adding that settler violence against U.S. citizens in Turmus Ayya “constitutes a form of terrorism.”

At a press conference in the village, the ambassador said that “Israeli terrorism is a crime” and that he does not support those who seize the property of others.

He added that “no one is advocating or supporting the forced displacement of Palestinians,” reiterating that Israel bears responsibility for ensuring the safety of residents in the West Bank.

Huckabee said the United States “does not have the authority to intervene in the West Bank,” but stressed that residents of Turmus Ayya have “legitimate grievances,” adding: “I came to listen to them.”

On Gaza, he said U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan faces obstacles due to Hamas’ “failure to meet its commitments,” while emphasizing that “no one is proposing the forced displacement of Gaza’s السكان.”

He accused Hamas of obstructing efforts to achieve peace and build a future for Gaza’s residents, adding that “progress could be made on Trump’s plan if Hamas lays down its arms and acknowledges it has no future in the territory.”