Geneva, Jan 4 (EFE). \u2013 The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Thursday expressed deep concerns over the Israeli government’s proposals to relocate residents of Gaza to third countries.<\/p>
\u201cVery disturbed by high-level Israeli officials’ statements on plans to transfer civilians from Gaza to third countries,\u201d Turk said in a brief statement shared by the UN human rights office on X, formerly Twitter.<\/p>
Turk highlighted that approximately 85% of the Gaza population has already been displaced since the conflict began on Oct. 7, emphasizing, “They have the right to return to their homes.”<\/p>
\u201cInt’l law prohibits forcible transfer of protected persons within or deportation from occupied territory,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>
The UN reaction comes amid reports suggesting that senior Israeli politicians from conservative parties are advocating for Gaza residents to leave the Strip.<\/p>
According to Israeli media outlets, the country\u2019s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have recently expressed support for the voluntary migration of an estimated 2.4 million Gazans.<\/p>
Moreover, they proposed the establishment of Israeli settlements in the war-torn Gaza.<\/p>
Media also reported that the Israeli government has initiated negotiations with several countries to host Gaza residents.<\/p>
The Republic of Congo has reportedly expressed readiness to receive the displaced Gazans, according to these reports.<\/p>
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