WASHINGTON: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has come forward against US President Donald Trump's statement in connection with the takeover of Gaza. The UN Secretary-General said that all countries should abide by international law and fundamental principles. His response was through his X page.

'When looking for a solution to the problems in Gaza, the problem should not be made worse. It should be based on international law. It is essential to avoid any kind of ethnic cleansing', said Antonio Guterres.

In the search for solutions on Gaza, we must not make the problem worse.

It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law.

It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 5, 2025

Donald Trump's statement that the war-torn Gaza should be taken over and the Palestinians should be relocated and resettled had drawn widespread criticism. The statement came after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday. 'The US will take over the Gaza Strip. The unexploded bombs there will be neutralized. The weapons will be destroyed. The rubble will be removed and beautified. "We will turn Gaza into the seaside resort of the Middle East," Trump said at a joint press conference with Netanyahu.