Thousands of Egyptians gathered at the Rafah crossing on Friday to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. The protesters, waving Egyptian and Palestinian flags, voiced their strong opposition to the plan, reiterating their support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The proposal, which has been widely criticized in the region, suggests that Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza could be resettled in Egypt and Jordan, countries with which they share borders. However, both Egypt and Jordan have firmly rejected the idea, arguing that it would undermine Palestinian sovereignty and violate the rights of Palestinians to remain in their homeland.
Fathi Abu Hamda, a protester at the rally, expressed his defiance, saying, “I just want to say to the other side (Israel) that the entire Egyptian people stand behind the political leadership. No to displacement.” His statement echoed the sentiment of many who believe that the proposal would not only violate Palestinian rights but also exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
While it remains unclear whether Trump could force Egypt or Jordan to accept such a proposal, the U.S. president has previously threatened to impose hefty tariffs on American allies to achieve his political objectives. This has raised concerns in both countries about the potential economic and diplomatic fallout from the proposal.
The call to move Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries runs counter to the deep cultural and historical ties that Palestinians have to the region, especially to Gaza, which is considered a core part of Palestinian identity. For many, the idea of displacement represents a denial of their connection to the land, as well as the ongoing struggle for the establishment of a recognized Palestinian state.
As the protests continue, the fate of displaced Palestinians has become an even more pressing issue, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are currently streaming toward the northern part of Gaza, attempting to return to what remains of their homes after being urged to evacuate earlier in Israel’s war against Hamas. The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza further highlights the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
