Israel has started preparing for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, following President Trump’s controversial proposal to evacuate the region. However, this plan has faced strong opposition, especially from Egypt, which is actively working to prevent its implementation. The Palestinian population in Gaza, alongside many international bodies, strongly rejects the idea, fearing it would lead to permanent displacement and destabilize the region.
Egypt’s strong opposition to the plan
Egypt, a key player in Middle East peace, has made its position clear. The Egyptian government sees Trump’s proposal as a violation of international law. The move could threaten Egypt’s peace agreement with Israel, a crucial agreement for regional stability. Egypt’s president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, has privately warned both the Trump administration and Israel that they risk endangering this peace deal, which has lasted for nearly 50 years.
Trump’s proposal: A relocation Plan
The plan, unveiled by Trump, envisions moving Gaza’s population temporarily to other countries while the U.S. takes charge of rebuilding the territory. Trump painted this as a way to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, U.S. officials later dialed back the idea, stating the relocation would be temporary, and no American troops would be involved. Despite this clarification, the proposal still faces widespread criticism.
Palestinian resistance to forced relocation
The Palestinian response has been fierce. They oppose being moved from their homeland, with many fearing they would never be allowed to return. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, label the proposal as ethnic cleansing, calling it the forced removal of civilians based on their ethnicity. The Israeli government has described the plan as voluntary, yet there is no clarity on how they would respond if Palestinians refuse to leave.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to make arrangements for the potential movement of large numbers of Palestinians, including options for exit by land, sea, and air. However, on-the-ground signs of these preparations remain absent.
Egypt’s diplomatic blitz against the plan
While Israel and the U.S. push forward, Egypt has launched a diplomatic blitz. The Egyptian government has conveyed its strong opposition through multiple channels, including talks with the Pentagon, the U.S. State Department, and members of Congress. A Western diplomat in Cairo confirmed Egypt’s serious stance, warning that the plan poses a direct threat to Egypt’s national security.
Saudi Arabia and 0ther Arab nations reject the proposal
Saudi Arabia, another U.S. ally, has also rejected the mass transfer of Palestinians, insisting that normalization of relations with Israel will not happen unless a Palestinian state is established, including Gaza. Other Arab nations, such as Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, joined Egypt in opposing the transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza.
These tensions were evident during a meeting Egypt hosted last week with top diplomats from these countries. The five nations issued a unified stance against Trump’s plan. In a sharp editorial, Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper warned that the independence and territorial integrity of Arab nations are at risk.
The future of Gaza and the Middle East
As Israel prepares for what could be a massive shift in Gaza’s population, the region’s fate hangs in the balance. While some leaders back the plan, the consequences for the Middle East are far from clear. The future of Gaza, and the broader peace process, will be shaped by the reactions of the key players in this ongoing geopolitical struggle.
