In the lively hub of Cairo, bustling coffee shops are filled with Gazans who escaped the onset of Israel’s destructive war on Hamas. Although they have found safety, their concerns remain fixed on their loved ones back home.
In recent days, Egyptian intelligence officials have been meeting with Hamas leaders to bolster the fragile ceasefire. Millions of Egyptians, following the constant news updates, already sense their nation’s deep involvement in the conflict in Gaza.
However, President Trump’s unexpected post-war proposal, suggesting the relocation of two million Palestinians to “a parcel of land” in Egypt and Jordan for the US to assume control, has sparked apprehension of a looming existential threat.
Egyptians attending Friday prayers express skepticism about Trump’s plan.
“We would be shifting the conflict from their territory to our own!” remarks Abdo, a civil engineer. “The Israeli military and the Palestinian resistance are perpetual foes, and there is no peace between them. This move would provide Israel with a justification to attack them on our soil under the guise of self-defense.”
Others emphasize that permanently displacing Gazans would essentially quash the Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Moreover, they argue it would foster extremism and instability within Egypt.
In an effort to convey a similar sentiment, Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has initiated a discreet diplomatic campaign. He finds himself at a critical juncture in his leadership, one that could redefine the relationship with his country’s crucial Western ally.
Egypt is leveraging the prospect of jeopardizing its peace treaty with neighboring Israel, which has long been viewed as a cornerstone of stability and US influence in the Middle East.
Since the landmark 1979 agreement brokered by Washington, Cairo has been regarded as a close ally. Egypt has consistently been a top beneficiary of US military aid, allocated as part of the treaty. Last year, it received $1.3 billion in military assistance.
Nevertheless, prominent figures on Egypt’s influential late-night talk shows have been openly critical. Ahmed Mousa, a popular host on a private TV network, recently declared that American military aid “holds no significance for Egypt.” He urged Egyptians to resist “pressure” or “coercion.”
In contrast to Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who adopted a conciliatory stance during a recent meeting with Trump at the White House, Egypt’s leader is taking a different tack. Abdullah pledged to accommodate sick Gazan children but maintained his opposition to resettling Gazans.
Reports from Egypt indicate that Sisi refuses to visit Washington as long as the relocation plan is being discussed, although the US claims no such trip has been arranged.
Egypt’s economy has suffered a blow from the Gaza conflict. The nation reports an $8 billion loss in Suez Canal revenues due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthis on ships in the Red Sea, which were prompted by Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
The current hope is that by formulating its own comprehensive plan for Gaza reconstruction, Egypt can
Amid the ongoing efforts to rebuild Gaza, discussions are underway regarding the relocation of Palestinians to safe areas. Egypt has taken a leading role in proposing solutions to facilitate the movement of individuals affected by the reconstruction process in Gaza.
Innovative ideas are being considered, such as utilizing rubble as a construction material for the rebuilding efforts. The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently acknowledged the unease felt by Arab states towards the Trump administration’s plan for Gaza. Rubio emphasized the importance of presenting alternative plans that could address the complex challenges facing the region.
With Arab leaders set to convene in Saudi Arabia, Egypt has called for an Arab summit in Cairo to deliberate on a comprehensive vision for Gaza’s future. One of the proposed strategies involves establishing a Gulf-led fund to support the costly reconstruction endeavors and marginalize the influence of Hamas, the Palestinian armed group governing Gaza since 2007.
Egypt’s proposal includes the formation of a new security force and the appointment of Palestinian technocrats unaffiliated with any political faction to oversee early recovery projects. However, reaching a consensus that satisfies Israel’s staunch government poses a significant challenge.
Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested a temporary role for world powers and the UN in Gaza until the Palestinian Authority (PA), governing parts of the West Bank, could assume control. Nevertheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the PA’s involvement as part of his stance against Palestinian statehood.
Egypt and other Arab nations remain committed to the long-standing two-state solution, advocating for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed its willingness to collaborate with President Trump to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region through a fair resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Concerns have been raised in Cairo about the potential repercussions of hosting a large number of Palestinian refugees and the risk of Hamas gaining a stronger foothold in the country. Some locals fear that accommodating more refugees could exacerbate domestic tensions and disrupt the status quo.
Despite the challenges, there is resolute support within Egypt for taking a firm stance and resisting external pressures. Citizens emphasize the importance of maintaining autonomy and sovereignty, asserting their readiness to confront any consequences that may arise from their decisions.
As discussions continue and proposals are deliberated, the future of Gaza and its inhabitants remains uncertain. The intricate dynamics between regional powers, international actors, and local stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the path towards stability and peace in the region.
Outside a mosque in Cairo, worshippers reflect on the necessity of avoiding the pitfalls of history and charting a course towards a more stable and secure future for all involved. The complexities of the situation demand nuanced and thoughtful approaches to address the multifaceted challenges facing Gaza and its residents.
In the midst of uncertainty and shifting alliances, the hope for a lasting peace remains a beacon guiding the efforts of those striving to navigate the intricate web of interests and aspirations in the Middle East.
