United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly opposed a controversial proposal reportedly backed by former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to relocate the people of Gaza to other countries.

Speaking to the news agency, Guterres emphasized that such a move goes against international law and violates the fundamental rights of Palestinians.

“Palestinians must be able to live in a Palestinian state, side by side with an Israeli state,” Guterres said. “That’s the only way forward if we truly want peace in the Middle East.”

Forced Relocation ‘Illegal & Immoral’

Guterres made it clear that the forced displacement of Palestinians is not only a political misstep but also a legal and ethical violation. “This kind of relocation is something that is against international law,” he said. “No people should be forcibly removed from their homeland under the pretext of security or political gain.”

His comments echo widespread condemnation of the relocation plan from rights groups, humanitarian organizations, and multiple nations across the globe.

Gaza’s Dire Humanitarian Crisis

The UN Secretary-General also addressed the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The densely populated enclave has been under blockade for years, and recent escalations have pushed its health system and infrastructure to the brink of collapse. Guterres called for immediate international intervention to improve aid access.

“Medical evacuations must be prioritized,” he said. “Innocent people are dying not just from violence, but from a lack of basic healthcare and essential supplies.”

Response to Netanyahu’s ‘Locked In’ Statement

When questioned about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Gaza’s residents are “locked in,” Guterres acknowledged the grim reality on the ground. He said the people of Gaza live in what is effectively an open-air prison and that the ongoing restrictions have only deepened the suffering.

“The blockade and lack of mobility are making it impossible for people to live with dignity,” he said. “We must do better. The international community must act.”

Clarifies Position on ‘Genocide’ Label

Guterres was also asked about the use of the word “genocide” to describe the situation in Gaza. Rather than focusing on terminology, he urged the world to address the human cost of the conflict. “The situation is already bad enough. We shouldn’t get lost in the semantics,” he said.

He added that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the appropriate body to make such legal determinations and affirmed his full respect for the ICJ’s authority.

Collective Punishment Cannot Continue

Highlighting the ongoing suffering of civilians, Guterres called the situation a case of “collective punishment” a violation of international humanitarian law. “You cannot justify the punishment of an entire population for the actions of a few,” he said. “This is unacceptable and must stop immediately.”

He emphasized that peace and security cannot be achieved through oppression or denial of basic rights.

Reaffirming the United Nations’ long-standing position, Guterres insisted that a two-state solution remains the only sustainable path to peace. “There is no alternative to two states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace, security, and mutual recognition,” he stated.

He urged world leaders to return to the negotiating table and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the decades-long conflict.

UN Pushes for Global Action

In his closing remarks, Guterres appealed to the international community to act swiftly and responsibly. “We cannot wait for more lives to be lost,” he said. “We must put humanity first. This is a time for leadership, compassion, and global solidarity.”

He called on governments, international bodies, and civil society to work together to deliver aid, protect civilians, and promote peace in the region

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