Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has declared the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip a “red line,” emphasizing that Cairo will not allow any action that threatens Egypt’s national security or sovereignty.
In an exclusive interview with CNN in Al-Arish, near the Gaza border, Abdelatty said Egypt is working through multiple channels “with one objective: to alleviate the burden and suffering of Palestinians.” He stressed that mass emigration from Gaza would not be tolerated.
“We will not accept it, we will not participate in it, and we will not allow it to happen,” he said. Abdelatty warned that displacement would amount to a “one-way ticket” out of Gaza and could lead to the “liquidation” of the Palestinian cause.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to other countries, following discussions initiated by former US President Donald Trump. Though Trump has since cooled on the idea, some Israeli officials remain supportive.
Egypt is Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world due to Israel’s blockade by land, sea, and air.
Cairo has faced growing pressure to ease Palestinian suffering, repeatedly blaming Israel for blocking aid as thousands of trucks remain stranded at the border.
Regarding the impact of the war on the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s commitment to honoring the agreement but warned that any displacement would pose a serious threat to national security.
“Any kind of displacement would be a big risk, and we will not allow any single party to risk our national security and our sovereignty… in our border,” he said.
Israel’s Displacement Plans
Israel is reportedly in talks with countries including South Sudan, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Libya, and Indonesia about resettling Palestinians from Gaza.
In exchange, these nations seek “significant financial and international compensation.”
However, the talks remain uncertain. South Sudan called reports of discussions “baseless,” and Indonesia said it could take in 2,000 Palestinians for treatment only, with the understanding they would return afterward. Somaliland also denied ongoing talks.
Lack of a Political Partner
Abdelatty noted that while Egypt maintains security and intelligence contact with Israel, it has not observed political willingness for peace.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a partner in Israel right now for peace and the two-state solution,” he said.
Far-right Israeli ministers have called for the expansion of the Gaza war and the emigration of Palestinians, which critics have labeled ethnic cleansing.
He added that ceasefire and hostage negotiations continue, with Egypt facilitating talks between Hamas, Israel, the US, and Qatar.
Abdelatty stressed that a comprehensive deal could end the war, secure the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and allow aid into Gaza.
“Israel is insisting on disarming Hamas now. Who will do it? How can we do it on the ground?” he said, pointing out that a 22-month bombardment has failed to eliminate Hamas.
Aid Bottleneck
On Monday, CNN observed dozens of aid trucks lining up at the Rafah crossing, with many convoys idle for weeks. Abdelatty said 5,000 trucks are waiting on the Egyptian side but are blocked by Israel.
Truck drivers recounted long waits and repeated rejections, including deliveries of ICU beds pre-approved but later denied. Medhat Mohamed, a driver, said, “Once you’re here with your truck, you cannot leave… Either your aid gets approved, or you stay next to your truck – that might take weeks, or even months.”
Drivers and aid organizations remain determined to help Gaza’s population despite the obstacles.
