Liberman proposes that Egypt absorb a majority of Gazans into Sinai, taking control of Gaza in the process. He points to the significant mismatches in population density between Gaza and Sinai, highlighting their cultural similarities. The plan could facilitate economic opportunities for Gazans while alleviating overcrowding. He urges the U.S. and Israel to reshape their current relations with Egypt to address the Gaza issue effectively.
Liberman advocates for the incorporation of the majority of Gazans into Sinai and for Egypt to assume control over Gaza. The Gaza Strip, with a population of approximately 2.2 million in 360 square kilometers, experiences severe overcrowding and limited economic opportunities. Conversely, Sinai spans 60,000 square kilometers and houses around 600,000 individuals, indicating a density difference of approximately 600 times.
The ethnic and cultural similarities between Gazans and Sinai residents are notable, with shared language, religion, and familial connections, especially evident in Rafah, where families are divided by the border. Sinai currently primarily serves as a passage for smugglers and traffickers, with untapped agricultural and energy potential. Utilizing El-Arish port as Gaza’s main port could greatly benefit both regions.
Liberman argues that relocating one million Gazans to Sinai aligns with President Trump’s initiative, offering a pathway to economic stability and employment. The essential availability of freedom of movement is crucial to this proposal. He emphasizes that the moral and political objections to voluntary emigration from Gaza are unfounded, particularly in light of international refugee acceptance from conflict zones.
For the proposed migration to occur, Egypt must open its border at Rafah, which could facilitate the exit of up to 80 percent of Gaza’s population. Egypt’s reliance on U.S. and Israeli support has grown, and Israel has previously assisted Egypt militarily in combating ISIS in Sinai. This sets the stage for a more balanced relationship.
Liberman asserts that the current dynamics of Egyptian-Israeli relations need reassessment, urging a proactive Egyptian stance on Gaza’s plight. There remains skepticism regarding Egypt’s intentions, as current practices suggest that it seeks to maintain the crisis for leverage, while simultaneously cooperating with Hamas.
Moreover, Egypt has exceeded the military limitations set by past agreements regarding its forces in Sinai. This military buildup, primarily aimed at Israel as an adversary, calls for a review of U.S. and Israeli support strategies towards Egypt. Responsibility for Gaza’s administration should revert to Egypt under an Arab League mandate, backed by twenty-two Arab nations.
This plan, which involves managing resources for the remaining Palestinian population in Gaza, presents an opportunity to tackle long-standing regional challenges. Liberman emphasizes the importance of the U.S. and Israeli efforts to persuade Egypt to actively engage in implementing this vision while overcoming conventional oppositions to change.
In summary, Liberman’s proposal suggests relocating a significant portion of Gaza’s population to Sinai, which can offer a more viable livelihood and solve pressing humanitarian issues. The call for Egypt to manage Gaza, with the support of Arab nations, presents a strategic opportunity to address underlying economic and political difficulties plaguing the region. An effective partnership between the U.S., Israel, and Egypt is vital for the realization of this initiative.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
