Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi has made it clear he will not attend White House discussions if U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza is part of the talks. According to Egyptian security sources, al-Sissi’s decision follows Trump’s controversial suggestion that Gaza should be governed by the U.S. and transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Trump’s plan also calls for Egypt and Jordan to absorb Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents, with the threat of cutting aid if they refuse. While Egypt has confirmed that Trump extended an invitation for a meeting earlier this month, no date has been set for the visit.
Trump’s idea was also rejected by King Abdullah II of Jordan during a recent meeting. Meanwhile, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains at risk, with Israel warning it will resume military operations unless hostages held by Hamas are freed soon.