At a July 8 State Department briefing, BBC correspondent Tom Bateman questioned spokesperson Tammy Bruce about U.S. plans for Gaza’s governance. Bruce stated Hamas ‘cannot exist’ in Gaza’s future, which should be determined by Gazans and regional partners. She declined to confirm or deny whether Palestinian relocation was being considered, citing ongoing confidential discussions. The exchange occurred amid U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Bruce emphasized the administration seeks ‘new ideas’ distinct from past frameworks.
Source: https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-july-8-2025/