Any attempt to change demographic composition of Gaza 'must be firmly rejected': UN

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Any attempt by Israel to change the composition of the Gaza Strip "must be firmly rejected," UN relief chief said on Friday.

"We are deeply alarmed by recent statements by Israeli ministers regarding plans to encourage the mass transfer of civilians from Gaza to third countries, currently being referred to as 'voluntary relocation'," Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths told Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

"These statements raise grave concerns about the possible forcible mass transfer or deportation of the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, something that would be strictly prohibited under international law. Any attempt to change the demographic composition of Gaza must be firmly rejected," he added.

Griffiths said the situation in Gaza remains "horrific" as "relentless" Israeli military operations continue. "There is no safe place in Gaza. Dignified human life is a near impossibility."

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed around 1,200 people.

At least 23,708 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 60,050 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.

According to the UN, 85% of the population of Gaza is already internally displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicines, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.