UN Envoys Reject US-Backed Plans to Displace Palestinians in Gaza

The Arab Group at the United Nations, backed by a coalition of UN ambassadors, has firmly opposed any plans to forcibly displace Palestinians in Gaza, calling it a violation of international law.

“The displacement of Palestinians in Gaza must be unequivocally rejected,” declared Kuwait’s UN envoy Tareq Al Banai, chairperson of the Arab Group, at a press conference in New York. He stressed that such actions directly violate Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.

This position was reinforced by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), reflecting a unified global stance against forced displacement.

A Vision for Gaza’s Future

Envisioning a peaceful and prosperous future for Gaza, Al Banai stated:

“We, the Arab countries, want to see a Riviera—a Palestinian Gazan Riviera—in the independent and internationally recognized state of Palestine.”

He also condemned Israel’s escalating military operations in the occupied West Bank, calling them a “clear violation of international law” and urging an immediate halt to the aggression.

Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid

Al Banai highlighted UN Security Council Resolution 2735, describing it as “a glimmer of hope” toward ending the conflict. He emphasized the urgent need for:

✅ An immediate and lasting ceasefire
✅ The safe return of displaced Palestinians
✅ Unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza

The resolution, adopted in June 2024, explicitly rejects any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza and demands a sustainable peace framework.

Al Banai also praised Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their mediation efforts, stating:

“The entire world supports a ceasefire in Gaza. We all want to see its full implementation leading to lasting peace.”

Palestinian Envoy: ‘We Have No Homeland Except Palestine’

Palestine’s UN envoy, Riyad Mansour, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a political solution and the end of Israeli occupation.

“What we need is to open doors for peace. What we need is a political horizon. What we need is to put an end to this illegal occupation as soon as possible,” Mansour stated.

He urged media outlets to report accurately on Palestinian issues and condemned any efforts to impose a “second Nakba”, referencing the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948.

“We have no homeland except Palestine. We love Palestine. We will rebuild the Gaza Strip. We will rebuild Palestine,” Mansour declared, expressing hope for the full independence of Palestine.

Next Steps for the UN

When asked about further action, Mansour called on the Security Council to fully implement Resolution 2735, stressing the need for immediate commitment.

“If we do not see serious commitment within weeks… then we will go to Plan B,” he warned, without revealing further details.