DUBAI – Egypt has intensified diplomatic efforts to reinforce regional opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians following controversial remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting their resettlement outside Gaza.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had been in contact with counterparts from 11 Arab nations, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to coordinate a unified stance against any measures that would uproot Palestinians from their land.
“The Arab position on the Palestinian cause remains firm, rejecting any measures aimed at displacing the Palestinian people or encouraging their transfer outside Palestinian territories,” the ministry’s statement declared.
Trump had recently suggested that the U.S. should assume control of Gaza from Israel and redevelop it into a luxurious coastal hub, dubbed a “Riviera of the Middle East,” following the relocation of its Palestinian population to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. However, Arab leaders have consistently advocated for a two-state solution, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Egypt’s government strongly rebuked Trump’s proposal, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law, an infringement on Palestinian rights, and a threat to regional security and stability.” The statement further warned that such actions would undermine prospects for peace and coexistence among the region’s peoples.
Rather than supporting displacement, Egypt and its Arab allies are exploring ways to rebuild and restore Gaza after Israel’s extensive military operations in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israeli territory.
According to Egyptian security sources cited by Reuters, Egypt’s presidency, military, and intelligence agencies are aligned in rejecting Trump’s plan, despite some internal disagreements on how to formulate an official response. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has made it clear that Egyptians would oppose any efforts to resettle Palestinians within Egypt’s borders.
Egypt remains a key U.S. ally in the region and has played a crucial role in ceasefire negotiations, working alongside Qatar and the United States to mediate between Israel and Hamas. However, Trump’s latest proposal has sparked tensions, further solidifying Arab unity against any forced relocation of the Palestinian population.