Egypt views any plan to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip as a ‘red line.’ Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has warned that the country will use its full force to thwart such a move.
In an interview with the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abdelatty stated that plans to remove Palestinians from Gaza remain under discussion. However, Egypt will neither accept nor allow the implementation of any such initiative.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister noted that if conditions in Gaza are rendered impossible for normal life, the departure of residents cannot be termed ‘voluntary relocation.’ Forcing people to leave the area in this manner constitutes coercion and a violation of international law and the rights of a people living under occupation.
Abdelatty made it clear that Egypt would not accept or permit the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. He also reaffirmed Egypt’s stance on ensuring the right of Palestinians to remain on their own land.
Concerns Regarding the West Bank
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also expressed concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank. He described the escalating violations against Palestinians as a form of ‘silent annexation’ and ‘de facto annexation.’
In his view, such actions in the West Bank undermine the prospects of establishing an independent Palestinian state and complicate the path toward a two-state solution.
Abdelatty asserted that regardless of the force employed, it is impossible to ensure long-term, sustainable security for Israel or the entire region without recognizing the rights of the Palestinians.
