Israeli plan on moving Gazans out raises concerns of forcible transfer, UN warns
Rights office says notion of 'voluntary' movement highly questionable under current conditions
GENEVA
The UN human rights office on Tuesday raised alarm over reported proposals that Israel is working with other countries, including the US, to potentially facilitate the so-called voluntary movement of Palestinians out of Gaza, warning that such plans could amount to forcible transfer under international law.
"This raises concerns with regard to forcible transfer," spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters at a UN press briefing in Geneva.
"The concept of voluntary transfers in the context that we're seeing in Gaza right now -- it's very questionable," she added.
The UN has previously warned against statements -- including US President Donald Trump's remarks -- that suggest the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.
The Israeli army has killed more than 57,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages and a spread of disease.
