Egypt to present alternative Gaza reconstruction plan, Palestinians’ forced displacement rejected by all Arab nations

Egypt has announced on Wednesday February 12 that it is working on a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza that ensures Palestinians can remain on their land, rejecting a controversial proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump that no Arab nation supports.

Egyptian Foreign minister Abdelatty Badr expressed his country’s intention to cooperate with the Trump Administration to reach a just resolution to the Palestinian issue, but emphasized that their vision would uphold the rights of the Palestinian people to stay in Gaza, contrary to the US plan, which includes relocating them to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt.

This announcement follows Trump’s recent meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah, during which he reiterated his controversial plan for the US to take control of Gaza and move its two million Palestinian residents. Both King Abdullah and Egyptian officials have firmly rejected this proposal. King Abdullah reaffirmed that no Arab nation supported the idea of displacing Palestinians, while Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi reiterated that any reconstruction in Gaza must happen without the forced displacement of its population. Egypt’s position aligns with broader Arab sentiment and historical concerns over the forced displacement of Palestinians, echoing fears of a repeat of the 1948 Nakba.

On Monday, the Egyptian Foreign Minister was in Washington where he informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Arab states categorically reject President Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and take control of the enclave, a plan that has been widely criticized.

During the meeting, Abdelatty emphasized the importance of speeding up the reconstruction of Gaza without the displacement of Palestinians, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, have reacted strongly against the plan, with protests erupting in Gaza. Local teachers, such as Abeer Barakat, expressed concerns that Jordan and Egypt may eventually be pressured into accepting the plan, fearing a repeat of the historical displacement of Palestinians. Meanwhile, Egypt is set to host an emergency Arab summit on 27 February 27 to further discuss the situation, and there are indications that the country may present its alternative reconstruction proposal in the coming weeks.