The United Nations has strongly opposed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to take control of Gaza and relocate its population, emphasizing that deportation from occupied territory is strictly prohibited under international law.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed on Wednesday that the forced transfer of Palestinians from Gaza would violate key legal principles.
His statement came in response to Trump’s unexpected announcement, made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
The former U.S. leader claimed credit for brokering the recent ceasefire in Gaza, which ended 15 months of devastating conflict following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
Trump suggested that by clearing unexploded ordnance and debris, Gaza could be redeveloped into a thriving economic hub.
However, he provided no details on how he planned to relocate over two million Palestinians or govern the war-torn territory.
“The suffering of people in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel has been unbearable,” Turk said in a statement.
“Palestinians and Israelis need peace and security, on the basis of full dignity and equality.”
He reiterated that international law is unequivocal on the matter: “Any forcible transfer or deportation of people from occupied territory is strictly prohibited.”
Trump’s proposal has been met with overwhelming opposition from Palestinian leaders, Middle Eastern governments, and the international community.
Critics have dismissed the idea as impractical and a violation of Palestinian sovereignty, further complicating efforts for a long-term resolution to the conflict.
