United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stern warning against actions resembling “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza, following a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a UN committee session on Palestinian rights, Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and the urgent need for a two-state solution. Trump’s plan, which he outlined in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involves the U.S. assuming control of Gaza and relocating its Palestinian residents to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. He branded the plan as a redevelopment effort to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” citing Gaza’s current uninhabitable state.
International Condemnation
The proposal was met with immediate and widespread condemnation. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reiterated that “any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” while Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia firmly rejected the plan. Jordan’s King Abdullah warned that forced displacement could destabilize the region, and EU officials reiterated the necessity of a two-state solution. German and French officials warned that forced relocation would violate international law and human rights norms.
Palestinian Response
Palestinian leaders and residents also condemned the proposal. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, vowed to continue reconstruction efforts, declaring, “No power on earth can remove us from Gaza.” Displaced Gazan resident Ibrahim Abu Rizk echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will not leave our homeland, even if it means living on rubble.”
Humanitarian Concerns
Guterres highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with nearly 50,000 deaths and severe infrastructure destruction. He called for the fragile ceasefire, brokered on January 19 by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., to be expanded into a permanent peace settlement. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested a “voluntary departure” plan for Gazans, which Spain promptly rejected.
Path to Peace
Guterres reiterated that lasting peace could only be achieved through a two-state solution, ending Israel’s occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state that includes Gaza. He condemned rising settler violence in the West Bank and urged international support for UNRWA, the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees.
Controversy and Opposition
Trump’s plan gained support from Israeli far-right figures but faced resistance from left-wing Israeli politicians and Hamas, which labeled it a “recipe for chaos.” U.S. officials clarified that the proposal focuses on economic redevelopment rather than direct American military intervention.
Conclusion
As the international community grapples with the implications of Trump’s proposal, the UN continues to advocate for humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. Guterres’ message is clear: Any solution must respect international law, uphold Palestinian rights, and pave the way for long-term peace in the region.
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