GENEVA – The United Nations human rights chief has strongly opposed proposals for the annexation or forced transfer of Palestinian territories, calling them “unlawful” and a threat to regional stability.
Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, Volker Turk warned that such actions “must not be normalized” and urged for accountability on all sides amid ongoing violence.
The rejection follows US President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion of relocating Palestinians from Gaza, an idea widely condemned but supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump later softened his stance, admitting regional leaders rejected the plan.
Meanwhile, Turk raised concerns over Israel’s military operations, potential war crimes, and violence by settlers in the West Bank. He also condemned Hamas and other armed groups for committing war crimes, including hostage-taking and indiscriminate attacks.
Calls for independent investigations continue, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) faces pushback, including US sanctions on its chief prosecutor over Israeli war crimes investigations.