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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reportedly expressed readiness to temporarily accommodate up to 500,000 Gazans in northern Sinai, according to a Friday report by the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.
The reported offer was made during a high-level conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where El-Sisi discussed the ongoing Middle East crisis with other regional leaders.
The plan would see displaced Gazans settled in a designated city in the northern Sinai Peninsula, marking a significant shift in Egypt’s stance on Palestinian relocation.
However, this development has sparked concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Jordan, which has previously voiced strong opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Regional Concerns Over Potential Relocation
Jordan has been vocal in its opposition to any large-scale movement of Palestinians out of Gaza, fearing it would set a precedent for permanent displacement and alter the demographic and political balance in the region.
Amman has historically opposed any plans that might suggest an alternative homeland for Palestinians outside their occupied territories, advocating instead for a two-state solution.
Egypt, for its part, has consistently rejected any proposals for permanent Palestinian resettlement in Sinai.
El-Sisi’s reported remarks indicate that any hosting arrangement would be temporary, though details on the duration and conditions of such an arrangement remain unclear.
Trump’s Relocation Proposal and Egypt’s Response
The latest discussions come in the wake of a controversial Gaza relocation plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in early February.
During a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested relocating Gazans to neighboring Arab states, including Egypt and Jordan, while the U.S. would assume administrative control over Gaza.
The proposal was met with immediate backlash from Arab nations, including Egypt, which rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians.
In response, Cairo unveiled a $53 billion reconstruction initiative for Gaza, endorsed by an Arab summit in March.
This plan aims to rebuild Gaza over five years, focusing on restoring critical infrastructure, housing, and essential services while ensuring that Palestinians remain within the territory.
By early March, Trump appeared to walk back on his relocation plan. During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House, he stated that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza,” signaling a shift in his administration’s approach.
Egypt’s foreign ministry later welcomed Trump’s revised stance, reiterating Cairo’s firm position against any forced displacement.
Uncertain Future for Gaza’s Population
With Gaza facing severe humanitarian challenges amid ongoing conflict, the question of Palestinian displacement remains a contentious issue.
Egypt’s reported willingness to provide temporary refuge for half a million Gazans underscores the gravity of the crisis but raises further concerns over long-term implications.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, the international community remains divided over the best course of action for Gaza. While Egypt’s proposal may offer immediate relief, questions linger over the feasibility and repercussions of such a move in an already volatile region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members