Egypt’s President el-Sisi warned against Trump’s proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza for rebuilding. Both Egypt and Jordan previously rejected offers to absorb displaced Palestinians. Sisi emphasized the importance of adhering to ceasefire agreements and criticized proposals that could undermine Palestinian rights and security. Trump’s previous remarks on controlling Gaza have sparked widespread backlash, and tensions between U.S. policy and Egyptian interests remain evident.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has issued a warning regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals to displace Palestinians from Gaza for rebuilding efforts following the conflict with Hamas. Trump had suggested in January that displaced Palestinians could be relocated to Egypt and Jordan; however, both nations and much of the Arab world dismissed this idea at that time.
Egypt plays a crucial role in the Middle East, holding a peace agreement with Israel and neighboring the Gaza Strip, which it managed until Israel’s victory in the 1967 war. Alongside the U.S. and Qatar, Egypt has been instrumental in mediating the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, a situation further complicated by ongoing accusations from both Israel and Hamas regarding protocol violations in hostage exchanges.
The Egyptian presidency declared that Sisi rejects any proposals for the displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing the need to protect the Palestinian cause and regional national security. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of hostages and humanitarian aid to Gaza, during a meeting with Iraqi officials.
Trump, who had a previously stable relationship with Sisi, referred to him as his “favorite dictator.” His proposals to take control of Gaza and displace its residents were met with widespread condemnation, which he countered by threatening to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt. Notably, Egypt receives significant military assistance from the U.S. totaling $1.3 billion annually.
Sisi has postponed a planned visit to the White House, with Egyptian officials indicating no future meetings will occur if the topic of “Gaza displacement” remains on the agenda. Egypt’s official stance advocates for the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital.
Sisi reiterated the critical need for recovery and rebuilding in Gaza without displacing its current inhabitants. Trump previously stated, “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”
Going forward, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, plans to visit the region to advance discussions on the ceasefire. Additionally, an Arab summit focused on the Palestinian issue is scheduled to take place in Cairo in March.
In summary, Egyptian President el-Sisi’s rejection of Trump’s proposals highlights significant regional tensions regarding the Palestinian cause and the future of Gaza. Both Egypt and Jordan have firmly dismissed ideas concerning the displacement of Palestinians. The ongoing dynamics of the ceasefire, meditated by Egypt, alongside upcoming diplomatic engagements, reflect the delicate balance necessary for regional stability.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
