Egypt firmly denies reports it will temporarily absorb 500,000 Gazans as part of Trump’s Gaza plan, asserting active support for Palestinian rights and reconstruction of Gaza without displacement.
The Egyptian government has emphatically denied allegations suggesting that it intends to temporarily relocate 500,000 Gazans to the northern Sinai region, a notion linked to President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza plan. The State Information Service of Cairo firmly stated that these allegations contradict Egypt’s steadfast commitment to the protection of the Palestinian people against any forms of displacement.
Reports surfaced following a story from Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, which claimed that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi indicated a readiness to accept Gazan residents during recent discussions among Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In response, Egypt reiterated its stance, advocating for the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip without the necessity for any Palestinian individual to relocate from their homes.
Consistently, President Sisi has refuted claims made by President Trump regarding Egypt’s potential capacity to absorb Palestinian refugees, labeling such suggestions as attempts to facilitate the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. During an Arab League summit in early March, Egypt unveiled its initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to prolonged military actions.
Cairo’s reconstruction strategy emphasizes retaining Gaza’s existing population, challenging external efforts aimed at diminishing its demographic composition. The proposal entails forming an independent committee to oversee Gaza’s administration for six months, with plans to subsequently transfer control to the Palestinian Authority, while addressing the status of all armed factions through a political dialogue.
The Egyptian initiative has been dismissed by both Israel and the United States, with ongoing military attacks resulting in significant civilian casualties in Gaza. Since normalizing relations with Israel, Egypt’s position on the Palestinian issue remains contentious, reflecting widespread public support for the Palestinian cause among the Egyptian populace.
In summary, Egypt has categorically rejected claims of absorbing Palestinian refugees from Gaza, emphasizing its commitment to the rights and well-being of the Palestinian people. The nation’s reconstruction plan aims to develop Gaza without displacing its inhabitants, while navigating political complexities and external pressures. This ongoing commitment highlights Egypt’s crucial role in the region amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
