Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Egypt and Jordan. Citing national security and justice for Palestinians, el-Sisi emphasized that any form of displacement would be unjust. The proposal has faced widespread rejection from Palestinian leaders and regional countries, asserting the need for a sovereign Palestinian state instead.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Egypt and Jordan, asserting that such displacement would infringe upon the rights and security of the Palestinian people. El-Sisi emphasized that this displacement is intolerable, stating, “The deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate.”
During a press conference, President el-Sisi emphasized his commitment to maintaining Egyptian national security and the importance of not forcing Palestinians to leave their homeland. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have faced displacement due to ongoing conflict, and fears of permanent exile are rampant among Palestinians.
Trump recently reiterated the call for relocating Gaza residents to safer areas, claiming it could be either a temporary or long-term solution. However, this suggestion has been met with substantial backlash from both Palestinians and neighboring Arab countries, who assert that it undermines Palestinian statehood and could lead to instability.
Jordanian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi, have echoed el-Sisi’s sentiments, adhering to the principle that “Jordan is for Jordanians and Palestine is for Palestinians.” Both Egypt and Jordan, while maintaining peace agreements with Israel, remain committed to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and eastern Jerusalem.
El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s willingness to collaborate with the United States to promote peace that adheres to the two-state solution framework, underscoring that any viable solution must prioritize the establishment of a Palestinian state rather than disenfranchisement. The notion of displacing Palestinians is reminiscent of the Nakba in 1948, when many were forcibly removed from their homes.
Egypt and Jordan, as critical U.S. allies in the region, receive substantial military aid from the United States, which further complicates the political dynamics surrounding the issue. Their rejection of the resettlement proposal demonstrates their commitment to Palestinian rights and regional stability.
The backdrop of this discussion stems from the ongoing and severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip due to prolonged conflict. The U.S. has proposed relocating Palestinian populations amid fears of escalating violence. Egypt and Jordan have historically opposed any form of Palestinian displacement, viewing it as detrimental to the quest for Palestinian statehood and regional stability. The Nakba, a significant event in Palestinian history, highlights the continued fear of forced displacement. Additionally, both nations have faced pressure to collaborate with the U.S. on this issue while safeguarding their national interests and the rights of Palestinians. Their responses reflect long-standing positions on the necessity of sovereignty for Palestinians and the creation of a lasting peace in the region.
In summary, Egypt’s President el-Sisi, along with Jordan’s leadership, has firmly rejected the notion of resettling Palestinians, reaffirming the importance of addressing their plight without forcing displacement. The rejection of Trump’s proposal highlights a broader commitment to the Palestinian cause and national security concerns. Both countries advocate for a just resolution grounded in the establishment of a Palestinian state and oppose any actions that may hinder this goal.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
