Egypt and Palestine have strongly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to permanently resettle displaced Palestinians outside Gaza.
The controversial plan, which also suggests that the United States take “ownership” of the enclave’s redevelopment, has sparked widespread condemnation from Arab states and international leaders.
During a diplomatic meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, February 5, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Jibril Rajoub, Secretary-General of Fatah’s central committee.
The officials categorically dismissed the resettlement plan and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Palestinian sovereignty.
Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and warned against any attempts to impose forced displacement.
Trump’s resettlement plan was unveiled during a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He detailed his vision of constructing new settlements for Palestinians outside Gaza, with the U.S. taking a leading role in transforming the war-torn territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
However, Palestinian leaders have decried the proposal as a blatant violation of international law. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the United Nations to “protect the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights,” warning that Trump’s plan represents “a serious violation of international law.”
Even Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, rejected the plan. The German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, stressed that “it is clear that Gaza — along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem — belongs to the Palestinians. They form the starting point for a future state of Palestine.”
On Wednesday, the Kremlin also reaffirmed that the creation of a Palestinian state is essential for achieving peace in the Middle East.
Regional Leaders Fear Destabilization of Palestine
Historically, Palestinians have endured multiple displacements, most notably during the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 Six-Day War. Many of Gaza’s current residents are descendants of those displaced in these conflicts.
The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit forced displacement, raising legal concerns about Trump’s proposal. Critics argue that any forced resettlement would only inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
Key Arab states, particularly Egypt and Jordan, have firmly rejected the plan. Both countries have historically hosted large Palestinian refugee populations and are unwilling to accommodate additional refugees.
Jordan already shelters over two million Palestinians, while Egypt faces economic struggles and a significant number of migrants from other regional conflicts. The Arab League has collectively denounced the proposal, warning that it threatens regional stability and peace efforts.
Beyond legal and humanitarian concerns, Trump’s plan could also strain U.S. relations with Arab allies especially Saudi Arabia. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II rely on U.S. aid, but any pressure to accept Palestinian refugees could destabilize their governments amid domestic unrest.
Additionally, Trump’s assertion that the U.S. should take “ownership” of Gaza’s redevelopment has drawn criticism, with many seeing it as reminiscent of past colonial interventions that disregarded local governance and autonomy.
The Future of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
While many advocate for a two-state solution as the only viable resolution to the conflict, skepticism about its feasibility is growing. The continuous expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the failure of negotiations have cast doubt on its practicality.
Trump’s proposal has further complicated the situation by shifting focus away from Palestinian self-determination and towards forced resettlement.
The widespread rejection of the plan by Arab nations highlights a broader consensus against forced displacement as a solution.
As discussions continue, it remains clear that any sustainable resolution must prioritize the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people within a framework that respects international law and regional stability.
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