2 Million Palestinians to Be Relocated? Trump’s Gaza Plan Sparks Outrage in Egypt

Egypt Voices Concerns Over Trump’s Proposal for Palestinian Relocation

US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate over 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip has ignited widespread protests and concerns in Egypt. According to BBC reports on February 14, 2025, President Trump’s suggestion to move Gaza residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan has created significant anxiety among the Egyptian public. The plan, which aims to pressure Palestinian citizens to leave Gaza, has triggered heated reactions in Egypt, where citizens feel threatened by the potential influx of refugees.

Trump has long advocated for a ceasefire plan in Gaza that would place the region under US control. As part of his strategy, he has warned Egypt and Jordan that they must accept Palestinian refugees, or the US could halt foreign aid. This pressure tactic is raising fears of instability, as Egypt has already accepted over 100,000 Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Additionally, Egyptians feel that their nation is deeply involved in the Gaza conflict, with many believing that further involvement could escalate tensions.

On February 14, during a Friday prayer gathering at a mosque in Cairo, many Egyptians voiced their opposition to Trump's plan. Abdou, a local construction worker, expressed concern that the conflict would spill over into Egypt. "The frontline will move to our land," he warned, stressing that any Israeli-Palestinian tensions could provide Israel with an excuse to attack Egypt under the guise of self-defense. Other critics argue that relocating Gaza residents would destroy the possibility of creating a Palestinian state and could turn Egypt into a base for Hamas militants.

Ahmed Mousa, a prominent Egyptian talk show host, also criticized the proposal, stating that US military support holds no value for Egypt and urging the nation to reject such external pressure. Meanwhile, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's response to Trump's plan has been notably different from King Abdullah II of Jordan. While King Abdullah visited the White House on February 11 and expressed openness to accepting Palestinian children injured in the conflict, el-Sisi has postponed his meeting with Trump indefinitely.

Reports indicate that Egypt will not engage with the US if discussions continue to include Trump’s Gaza plan. Egypt, like many Arab nations, has consistently opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians and has supported a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On February 11, Egypt proposed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, highlighting its commitment to a peaceful resolution rather than the forced relocation of Gaza's residents.

In summary, Egypt's reaction to Trump's Gaza plan underscores the deep political and humanitarian concerns surrounding the relocation of millions of Palestinian refugees. As tensions rise, Egypt continues to advocate for a more sustainable and peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.