UN human rights chief Volker Turk reaffirmed on Wednesday that deporting people from occupied territory is strictly prohibited, following Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for the United States to take over Gaza and resettle its population.
Much of the Gaza Strip has been devastated by a 15-month war triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire that took effect last month.
His proposal, lacking details on how he would relocate over two million Palestinians or govern Gaza, suggested making the territory “unbelievable” by clearing rubble and redeveloping it economically.
“It is crucial to progress to the next phase of the ceasefire—to release all hostages and arbitrarily detained prisoners, end the war, and reconstruct Gaza in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law,” Turk said in a statement.
“The suffering of people in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel has been unbearable. Both Palestinians and Israelis need peace and security, founded on dignity and equality.”
‘Strictly Prohibited’
Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, stressed that international law is “very clear.”
“The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law and must be upheld by all states, as the International Court of Justice recently reaffirmed,” he said.
“Any forcible transfer or deportation of people from occupied territory is strictly prohibited.”
Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza and resettle its population was swiftly rejected by Palestinians, Middle Eastern leaders, and governments worldwide.
The former president’s remarks drew audible gasps during a joint press conference on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he hosted at the White House.