NEW YORK, Feb 6: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to persist in advocating for a full ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza, while emphasizing the need to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing in the region. His comments were made during the opening session of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in New York on Wednesday.

The call for continued efforts comes after remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that the U.S. might "take over" Gaza and called for Palestinians to leave. Responding to these comments, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated at a press briefing that "any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing."

In his address to the Committee, Guterres stressed that the core issue of Palestinian rights is their right to live peacefully in their own land, yet he noted that these rights have continuously been undermined. He acknowledged the horrific events of October 7 and the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with nearly 50,000 reported deaths, mainly women and children, and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Guterres welcomed the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, commending the efforts of mediators including Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. He emphasized the importance of a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of unimpeded humanitarian aid. Additionally, he called for a reaffirmation of the two-state solution, a key element for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The UN chief also voiced concern over increasing violence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, condemning settler violence and violations of international law. He urged the international community to support Palestinian governance and work towards the reconstruction of Gaza.

In remarks made prior to the Committee meeting, the newly elected chair, Ambassador Coly Seck of Senegal, condemned recent statements seeking to undermine the ceasefire and reiterated the need for unified international strategies to support Palestinian peace efforts. Ambassador Riyad Mansour of Palestine also stressed the necessity for a permanent ceasefire and the full implementation of agreements, including the reconstruction of Gaza.

UNRWA, the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, was highlighted as a crucial player in Gaza's recovery. Greta Gunnarsdottir, head of UNRWA's liaison office in New York, warned that recent Israeli legislation aimed at dismantling the agency would undermine both the ceasefire and Gaza's long-term recovery.

The UN continues to advocate for comprehensive international support to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure that the political path forward respects the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.