Egypt, Spain Oppose Gaza Relocation Plan Amid Ceasefire Negotiations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi reiterated his rejection of President Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, calling for reconstruction without displacement. Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez calls Trump’s proposal “immoral” and against international law. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu appointed Ron Dermer, a close Trump ally, to lead ceasefire talks with Hamas. Meanwhile, Gaza faces escalating humanitarian challenges amid ongoing conflict recovery efforts.
Gaza Crisis and Ceasefire Talks – Quick Looks:
- Egypt’s stance: President el-Sissi rejects relocating Palestinians, urges Gaza reconstruction on their land.
- Spain’s response: PM Sánchez calls Trump’s proposal “immoral” and against international law.
- Ceasefire negotiations: Netanyahu appoints Ron Dermer, Trump ally, to lead Hamas talks.
- Humanitarian crisis: Over 50,000 deaths reported in Gaza and Lebanon since October 2023.
- Infrastructure damage: 80% of Gaza’s water systems destroyed; rebuilding estimated at $50 billion.
- Polio outbreak: WHO launching vaccination for 591,000 children in Gaza.
- Border violence: Israeli drone strike kills one in Lebanon amid fragile ceasefire.
- Israeli military abuse case: Five soldiers charged with assaulting a Palestinian detainee.
Egypt, Spain Oppose Gaza Relocation Plan Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Deep Look:
Egypt Rejects Trump’s Gaza Relocation Plan as Ceasefire Talks Gain Momentum
MADRID, SPAIN – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal to relocate Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip. Speaking alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid, el-Sissi called for international support to rebuild Gaza without displacing its people.
“The reconstruction of Gaza must occur without the transfer of the Palestinian people from their land to which they cling,” el-Sissi emphasized.
Spain’s Sánchez echoed the sentiment, labeling Trump’s proposal “immoral and contrary to international law.” Both leaders urged renewed peace efforts toward a two-state solution.
Sissi calls for the “international community’s support and adoption of a plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip without displacing the Palestinian people — I repeat, without displacing the Palestinian people — from their land, which they cling to, and their homeland, which they do not agree to relinquish.”
Sanchez, one of the staunchest defenders of the Palestinian cause within the European Union, agrees, saying “Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and is part of the future Palestinian state.”
“Their expulsion would not only be immoral and contrary to international law and United Nations resolutions, but would also have a destabilizing effect,” he adds.
Israel Names Trump Ally to Lead Ceasefire Talks
Amid diplomatic tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Ron Dermer, a key ally with close Trump ties, to spearhead the second phase of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Dermer, Israel’s strategic affairs minister and former ambassador to the U.S., is seen as Netanyahu’s closest confidant.
The next negotiation stage aims to secure:
- Permanent ceasefire agreement
- Return of Israeli hostages
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
The first ceasefire phase ends in early March, leaving pressure on Dermer’s team to broker a lasting solution.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
As diplomatic efforts unfold, Gaza’s humanitarian situation worsens:
- Over 50,000 deaths since the conflict ignited on October 7, 2023 after Hamas’ attack.
- 70% of Gaza’s buildings destroyed, according to regional health ministries.
- Oxfam reports 80% of water infrastructure damaged, heightening disease risk.
- World Bank estimates $50+ billion needed for reconstruction—more than double Palestine’s 2022 GDP.
International relief efforts are challenged by ongoing Israeli-Egyptian blockades, complicating aid deliveries and rebuilding timelines.
Health Emergencies: Polio and Waterborne Diseases
In response to deteriorating conditions, the World Health Organization (WHO) will vaccinate over 591,000 children under 10 in Gaza following new polio detections in wastewater. The campaign comes after Gaza’s first polio case in 25 years left a child paralyzed, raising fears of wider, silent transmission.
Contaminated water supplies and overcrowded shelters have also led to waterborne disease outbreaks, underscoring urgent public health needs.
Regional Tensions Persist Despite Ceasefire
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah faced setbacks Wednesday when:
- An Israeli drone strike killed one person in southern Lebanon’s Aita al-Shaab village.
- Israeli troops allegedly opened fire across the border, injuring two.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported these were the first incidents since Israeli forces withdrew from border positions under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Israeli Soldiers Charged in Detainee Assault
In Israel, five soldiers face charges for assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman facility in July 2024. The attack left the detainee with:
- Cracked ribs
- Punctured lung
- Internal injuries
Despite public protests defending the soldiers, Israeli military prosecutors cited extensive evidence, including security footage. The case has ignited debate over military conduct amid the broader conflict.
Looking Ahead:
- With ceasefire talks set to intensify, the international community’s focus remains on:
- Avoiding forced Palestinian displacement
- Securing lasting peace agreements
- Accelerating humanitarian aid and rebuilding Gaza
Egypt, Jordan, and European leaders continue to push back against U.S. relocation proposals, underscoring the regional volatility and urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.