Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi firmly rejected any proposal to displace Palestinians, calling it an “act of injustice” that threatens Egypt’s security.
Speaking alongside Kenyan President William Ruto, Sisi addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Egypt to take in Palestinians fleeing Gaza. He made it clear that Egypt would never participate in such a plan.
“Regarding the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security,” Sisi declared.
Trump suggested Egypt and Jordan should absorb Palestinians from Gaza, describing the enclave as a “demolition site” after 15 months of relentless Israeli bombardment. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been left homeless.
Sisi stated that if he asked the Egyptian people about Trump’s idea, they would take to the streets in protest against the forced displacement.
“The two-state solution is a historical right that can’t be bypassed,” he asserted, expressing confidence that Trump could help achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
For decades, Palestinian leaders and neighboring Arab states have rejected any suggestion of removing Palestinians from Gaza. The idea remains deeply unpopular, especially as Gaza is seen as essential to any future Palestinian state.
Jordan, already home to millions of Palestinians, and Egypt, which hosts tens of thousands, have both dismissed Trump’s proposal. Their foreign ministries issued firm rejections, reinforcing their commitment to Palestinian sovereignty.
While Trump initially planned to discuss the matter with Sisi, it was U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio who spoke with Egypt’s foreign minister. However, Trump’s plan was notably absent from their conversation.