Egypt rejects Israeli plans to displace Palestinians
- Last updated: August 17, 2025 | 22:59
Egypt has firmly renewed its rejection of any Israeli plans to displace Palestinians from their historical homeland, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, under any pretext—be it forced or voluntary.
It condemned all forms of displacement, including those carried out through policies of starvation, land confiscation, settlement expansion, or by making life unlivable for Palestinians in their own land.
In a statement issued on Sunday, and carried by Middle East News Agency (MENA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Egypt’s deep concern over recent reports suggesting that Israel has held consultations with certain countries regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
The ministry criticised these discussions as part of a broader, rejected Israeli strategy to depopulate Palestinian territories and undermine the Palestinian cause.
Egypt emphasised that it will not accept, support, or participate in any plans that involve the displacement of Palestinians, calling such proposals a historic injustice that lacks any moral or legal legitimacy.
The statement urged the international community—particularly peace-supporting nations—to reject complicity in such an "immoral and illegal crime" that would violate the principles of international humanitarian law, constitute a war crime, and amount to ethnic cleansing. It further noted such actions would blatantly breach the four Geneva Conventions.
Finally, Egypt warned of the grave historical and legal consequences that would befall any party involved in or facilitating such displacement. It also stressed the potential for far-reaching political repercussions across the region and beyond if such policies were to proceed.
The United Arab Emirates is continuing its humanitarian support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip by conducting today its 73rd airdrop of aid under Operation Birds of Goodness, part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, in cooperation with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and with the participation of Germany, Italy, Belgium, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Singapore and Indonesia.
The shipment included quantities of essential food supplies, prepared with the support of UAE-based charitable institutions and entities, to help meet the needs of residents amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Strip.
These initiatives highlight the UAE’s leading role in international relief work, by mobilising regional and international efforts and reinforcing a humanitarian giving approach to ease the suffering of those affected in crisis areas.
Demonstrators across Israel called on Sunday for an end to the Gaza war and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, a push sharply criticised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies.
The protests come more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City, 22 months into a war that has created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory.
Forty-nine captives remain in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.
A huge Israeli flag covered with portraits of the remaining captives was unfurled in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square -- which has been a focal point for protests throughout the war.
The police said more than 30 protesters were arrested for disturbing public order.
Organisers also called for a general strike on Sunday -- the first day of the working week in Israel.
The Israeli army's chief of staff said the military was pressing ahead with plans for the next phase of its Gaza offensive, with a focus on Gaza City.
"Today we are approving the plan for the next phase of the war," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said during a field visit to the Palestinian territory, according to an army statement.
"We will maintain the momentum of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' while focusing on Gaza City. We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas," he said.
The large-scale operation in Gaza, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots" by the Israeli army, began in mid-May.
"We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas, with the hostages always at the forefront of our minds," Zamir added.
In response Hamas said the plans would result in "a new wave of extermination and mass displacement".
Agencies