The Palestinian Envoy Advocates for the Recognition of Palestinians' Right to Remain in Gaza

In response to statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians beyond the borders of Gaza, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, urged global leaders and the international community to honor the Palestinians' desire to remain in their homeland.

Mansour's remarks came after a meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump suggested that Palestinians should permanently abandon Gaza, a territory devastated by the ongoing Israeli offensive. He proposed relocating them to "scenic regions" where they could reside contentedly.

Nevertheless, Mansour firmly dismissed this proposal, underscoring that Gaza constitutes an essential component of Palestine. He stated, "Our homeland is indeed our homeland... should any portion of it be ravaged, the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian people have made the decision to reclaim it." He further articulated that the aspirations of the Palestinian people ought to be honored, as Gaza continues to serve as their homeland.

In addressing the concept of resettlement, Mansour remarked, "For those who wish to relocate them to a pleasant and agreeable environment, they should be permitted to return to their original residences within Israel." There are appealing locations in that area, and the individuals will be pleased to revisit these sites.

The conflict in Gaza, which intensified subsequent to an assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has resulted in considerable devastation. Official statistics indicate that the assault resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis, predominantly civilians. Israel's retaliatory attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians. The United Nations reports that approximately 90% of Gaza's population, exceeding 1.9 million individuals, has been displaced as a result of the ongoing conflict.

The impact of the conflict on Gaza's infrastructure is profound, characterized by extensive devastation of educational institutions, medical facilities, and vital civic amenities. Notwithstanding the extensive destruction, the armistice agreement established on January 19, 2025, facilitated the return of certain Palestinians to their residences, many of which had been diminished to mere debris.

Mansour emphasized the remarkable resilience of the Palestinian populace, observing that within mere hours of the armistice agreement, 400,000 Palestinians made their way back to the northern Gaza Strip, notwithstanding the formidable challenges posed by the return to residences that had been obliterated.

In his statement, the Palestinian envoy underscored the significance of honoring the aspirations of the Palestinian populace, asserting that the authority to decide their place of residence and the manner in which they will reconstruct their lives rests solely with them. Mansour asserted, "Ultimately, it is the Palestinian people who will make their own determination."