Egypt rejects Trump's proposal to resettle Palestinians

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Jan 2025 22:18

"Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security," the Egyptian head of State declared.

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (AFP)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi firmly opposed US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Cairo accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, calling it an "act of injustice" that would endanger Egypt's security. His rejection comes amid reports that Trump has been pressuring Egypt and Jordan to take in displaced Palestinians, even hinting at potential aid cuts as leverage.

During a press conference alongside Kenyan President William Ruto, Sisi reaffirmed his stance, stating that Egypt is committed to facilitating a resolution in Palestine based on a "two-state" solution.

"Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security," he declared. "The deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate."

Exodus Rejected

Trump's remarks over the weekend called for both Egypt and Jordan to provide refuge to Palestinians, referring to Gaza as a "demolition site" due to months of Israeli bombardment. The ongoing conflict has left most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents displaced. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed he had discussed the matter with Sisi, stating, "I wish he would take some. We helped them a lot, and I'm sure he'd help us... But I think he would do it, and I think the King of Jordan would do it too." However, Egypt denied that such a conversation had taken place.

Sisi stressed that the Egyptian people would strongly oppose any plan that forces Palestinians out of their homeland. "If I asked the Egyptian people about Trump's suggestion, they would take to the streets to reject the displacement of Palestinians," he noted. Egypt's state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper echoed this sentiment, declaring, "Egypt [speaks] as one man: The people reject displacement and support efforts to protect national security as the Palestinians write their 'epic of return'."

Sisi also stressed the importance of the two-state solution, calling it a fundamental right that cannot be ignored. He expressed confidence that Trump "is able to achieve that goal for a just and permanent peace in the Middle East."

Leveraging Aid

Arab nations have historically rejected any suggestion of displacing Palestinians from their lands. Since the outbreak of the war on Gaza in October 2023, both Egypt and Jordan have reinforced their opposition to such proposals. Jordan, which already hosts over two million Palestinians and faces economic strains, has dismissed the idea outright. "The solution to the Palestinian issue lies in Palestine," stated Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

While Trump initially stated he would personally discuss the matter with Sisi, it was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who ultimately spoke with Egypt's foreign minister. However, their conversation reportedly did not touch upon Trump's plan to resettle Palestinians outside of Gaza.

Meanwhile, analysts suggest that Trump may attempt to use US aid as leverage. Egypt receives $1.3 billion annually in military assistance, a key component of its ties with Washington, while Jordan relies on $1.45 billion in US support.

Despite the pressure, both Egypt and Jordan have made it clear that they will not participate in any forced displacement of Palestinians, maintaining that a just solution must be found within Palestinian territories.