Egypt has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, calling the proposal a violation of Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to their right to remain on their land. The ministry condemned any form of forced displacement, including actions aimed at settlement, annexation, or the uprooting of Palestinians, whether temporary or permanent.
Trump’s proposal came after more than a year of intense conflict in Gaza, which he referred to as a “demolition site.” He suggested that Egypt and Jordan take in Palestinians from Gaza, with the relocation potentially lasting for an indefinite period. However, Egypt swiftly rejected the idea, stressing that such measures would only undermine Palestinian self-determination and further destabilize the region.
The Arab League also denounced Trump’s suggestion, calling it “ethnic cleansing” and reiterating that previous attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians, through settlement expansion or annexation, have proven to be unsuccessful. The League emphasized that peace and security in the region could only be achieved through the respect of Palestinian rights and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has voiced opposition to similar proposals in the past, warned that any efforts to uproot Palestinians from their land would not only threaten Palestinian statehood but also jeopardize Egypt’s national security. In a statement released on Sunday, the Egyptian foreign ministry reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, stressing that such a solution would be unachievable if Palestinians were forcibly displaced.
The ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance of regional politics, with Egypt emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Palestinian territorial integrity while maintaining its own national security.