Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has declined a White House visit if the agenda includes U.S. plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, Egyptian security sources told Reuters.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed expelling over two million Palestinians, placing Gaza under U.S. control, and turning it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He has reportedly pressured Egypt and Jordan to accept refugees, threatening to cut aid if they refuse.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, visited Washington this week, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that the displacement plan would be on the table if Sisi visited. In response, Abdelatty insisted that discussions should focus on Egypt’s own plan to rebuild Gaza while keeping Palestinians on their land.
Despite Egypt’s longstanding security ties with the U.S., Sisi has repeatedly stated that Egypt will not support any move that forces Palestinians out of Gaza, calling it a security risk and a violation of their rights.
