GENEVA: The United Nations’ top human rights official strongly criticized proposals for annexation and forced displacement in Palestinian territories, calling them “unlawful” and warning they could destabilize the entire region.
“We must not allow the normalization of illegal actions, including annexation or forced transfers,” Volker Türk stated during a session at the UN Human Rights Council.
He cautioned that such measures “could endanger the peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the broader region.” Emphasizing the need for diplomacy, Türk urged leaders to promote “voices of reason” in addressing the crisis.
Although Türk did not mention specific instances, tensions have escalated following intensified Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank, alongside increasing attacks by Israeli settlers and renewed calls for annexation.
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested removing Palestinians from Gaza, even proposing that the United States take control of the region while relocating its population—a concept widely condemned but welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump later appeared to revise his stance, presenting the idea as a mere suggestion and acknowledging resistance from regional leaders, including those of Jordan and Egypt, who rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Despite this, Trump’s official social media accounts on Wednesday shared an AI-generated video envisioning a transformed Gaza, depicted as a luxurious coastal resort featuring a massive golden statue of himself.
While presenting his latest report on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Türk stressed the urgency of resolving the conflict, stating, “An immediate end to the violence is crucial.”
