In a joint news conference on Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez strongly opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the Gaza Strip. Both leaders reiterated their governments’ firm rejection of the plan, stressing its potential to exacerbate regional instability and undermine international law.
President el-Sissi emphasized the need for a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, one that would not involve the forced displacement of the Palestinian people. “The reconstruction of Gaza must be achieved without the transfer of the Palestinian people from their land, which they hold dear,” said el-Sissi. “The international community must stand together to support the rebuilding of Gaza in a way that preserves the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people.”
Prime Minister Sánchez echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the removal of Palestinians from Gaza, as proposed by Trump, would be both immoral and illegal under international law. “Such a proposal would violate United Nations resolutions and would have destabilizing effects, not just for the region, but for the entire world,” Sánchez stated. He added that the forcible transfer of Palestinian populations would fuel further conflicts in the Middle East.
Sánchez also reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to a two-state solution, which envisions a peaceful coexistence between Israel and a future Palestinian state. He stressed that Gaza is an integral part of that future, adding, “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and is an essential component of their homeland, which they will never relinquish.”
Both leaders also called on the international community to revive the long-stalled peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, with the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state in line with international law. They highlighted the importance of the upcoming Arab League summit in Cairo, scheduled for March 4, where the issue of Gaza’s reconstruction and the broader Palestinian cause will be discussed.
The diplomatic stance by Egypt and Spain highlights the ongoing international opposition to President Trump’s policies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the future of Gaza, with many leaders calling for solutions rooted in respect for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
