UN Experts Condemn Trump's Plan to 'Take Over' Gaza as 'Manifestly Illegal'

Over 30 independent UN human rights experts have jointly condemned US President Donald Trump, for his comments about "taking over" and "owning" Gaza.

In a statement, they said, "It is manifestly illegal to invade and annex foreign territory by force, to forcibly deport its population, and to deprive the Palestinian people of their inalienable right to self-determination, including to retain Gaza within a sovereign Palestinian state."

The experts cautioned that "such blatant violations by a major power" could have "devastating consequences for peace and human rights globally" and could "return the world to the dark days of colonial conquest."

They suggested alternative actions for Trump if he is "genuinely concerned for the welfare of Palestinians."

These include advocating for a lasting ceasefire, resuming funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), halting arms transfers, and compensating "Palestinians for damage resulting from US weapons and munitions supplied to Israel."

Meanwhile, Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian affairs office, described the situation in Gaza City as "dire."

She stated, "The situation of the people is very, very difficult. We have been working nonstop since the ceasefire began... prioritizing the most critical needs, including food, water, shelter supplies, and fuel to run bakeries and facilities."

Cherevko highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting, "The entire population, which is 2.1 million people, is in need of humanitarian assistance right now."

She added, "No crisis in the world has this figure where 100 percent of the population is in need."

Before the ceasefire, humanitarian access was severely restricted, and aid deliveries were minimal due to dangerous conditions, Cherevko explained.

She concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, stating, "There is no other choice. There is no option. We cannot go back to what we had."

Since early morning, trucks from UNRWA, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Programme (WFP) have been transporting medical supplies, flour, and food items into Rafah, a city in the south of the Gaza Strip near the Karem Abu Salem crossing.

Despite this, UN agencies have not provided detailed information on whether there has been an increase in aid deliveries since Hamas announced a delay in releasing Israeli captives.

According to UN officials, over 12,600 aid trucks carrying more than 32,000 metric tons of supplies have entered Gaza since the ceasefire began.

However, they emphasized that the situation remains fragile, with significant shortages of food and other essential supplies.