DUBAI:
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has urged the international community to implement a plan for rebuilding Gaza while ensuring that Palestinians remain in their homeland. His remarks come in response to a controversial proposal by former US President Donald Trump, which sparked outrage across the Arab world.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Spain’s prime minister in Madrid, Sisi emphasized the need for a reconstruction initiative that does not force Palestinians from their land.
“We reaffirm the importance of the international community adopting a plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip—without displacing Palestinians. I repeat, without displacing Palestinians from their lands,” he stated.
Trump’s proposal had suggested transforming Gaza into a global beach resort while relocating its Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, specifically Egypt and Jordan. However, both nations, along with other Arab states, firmly rejected the idea, instead pledging to develop an alternative solution—though no significant progress has been reported.
Sisi also highlighted the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in supporting Palestinian refugees. He stressed that the agency’s humanitarian services, including aid, healthcare, and education, remain vital for Palestinians living in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
As diplomatic discussions continue, Egypt remains committed to finding a sustainable solution that safeguards Palestinian rights and prevents forced displacement.
