United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned U.S. President Donald Trump against any forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, following Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take over the enclave and relocate its residents elsewhere.

Guterres made the remarks at a U.N. committee meeting, stressing the need to uphold international law and prevent any action that could lead to ethnic cleansing. While he did not mention Trump by name, his spokesperson later confirmed that the comments were in response to the U.S. proposal.

The plan, which envisions resettling Palestinians in other countries and redeveloping Gaza, has drawn strong criticism from global leaders. Jordan’s King Abdullah discussed the situation with Guterres earlier on Wednesday, as Arab states prepared a coordinated message to Trump ahead of Abdullah’s visit to Washington next week.

Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour rejected any relocation, stating, “We have no country except Palestine. Gaza is a precious part of it.” He urged international support for reconstruction instead of resettlement.

The U.N. has long advocated for a two-state solution, viewing it as the only viable path to lasting peace. Guterres reaffirmed this stance, calling for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, with widespread destruction following 16 months of war. A ceasefire agreement, along with the release of hostages held by Hamas, went into effect on January 19, but the situation remains volatile.

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