SEAToday.com, Hamilton - The United Nations (UN) on Monday (Jan. 27) rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza.

“We oppose any plan that would result in forced displacement or lead to ethnic cleansing in any form,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric during a press conference.

Trump’s proposal, made on Saturday, called for relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, referring to Gaza as a “completely destroyed area” following Israel’s genocidal war.

Dujarric emphasized that Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab League have also strongly opposed Trump’s idea. In a joint statement, Egypt, Jordan, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.

Rising Tensions in the West Bank

Responding to Anadolu Agency’s question about the possibility of the West Bank becoming a “new Gaza” amid rising Israeli military aggression, Dujarric expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the area.

He condemned ongoing violence by Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and urged global attention not to be solely focused on Gaza, as other areas also face severe challenges.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported worsening conditions in Jenin and its refugee camp, which have suffered widespread destruction during a seven-day Israeli military operation that began on Jan. 21. The operation has caused numerous casualties, destroyed infrastructure, and blocked critical roads.

Recent tragedies include the killing of a Palestinian toddler by Israeli forces and an airstrike in Tulkarm refugee camp that claimed two more lives. Dujarric denounced Israel’s use of excessive force, particularly against civilians, and stressed the protection of healthcare facilities.

“Hospitals are not military targets and must be protected at all times,” he said, referencing the Israeli siege on Tulkarm General Hospital.

Escalating Death Toll in Gaza and the West Bank

Tensions across the West Bank continue to escalate following Israel’s war in Gaza, which has killed over 47,300 people and injured more than 111,500 since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. In the West Bank, at least 880 Palestinians have been killed, and over 6,700 injured by Israeli forces during the same period.

A ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange were implemented in Gaza on Jan. 19, ending the latest wave of Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2023 declared Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, calling for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.