Mass Demonstrations in Egypt Against Trump’s Gaza Refugee Displacement/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thousands of Egyptians protested at the Rafah border crossing and other cities on Friday against President Donald Trump’s proposal for Egypt and Jordan to host over a million Palestinians from Gaza. The demonstration, reportedly state-sanctioned, followed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s firm rejection of the idea, citing national security concerns. Protesters waved Egyptian and Palestinian flags while chanting “Long Live Egypt” and denouncing the forced displacement of Palestinians. Trump reaffirmed his stance Thursday, pointing to U.S. financial aid to Egypt and Jordan as justification. The proposal has been widely condemned by Palestinian leaders and neighboring Arab states.
Egypt Protests Trump’s Refugee Plan: Quick Look
- Thousands protested at the Rafah border, rejecting Trump’s proposal.
- Egyptian President Sisi strongly opposed forced displacement of Palestinians.
- Protesters chanted pro-Egypt and pro-Palestine slogans, waving flags.
- State-affiliated groups helped transport demonstrators, signaling official support.
- Trump reiterated his stance, citing U.S. aid to Egypt and Jordan.
- Arab nations and Palestinian leaders reject any forced relocation from Gaza.
Mass Demonstrations in Egypt Against Trump’s Gaza Refugee Displacement
Egypt’s Rafah Protest: A Deep Look
State-Backed Demonstrations at the Border
For the first time in years, Egypt saw a rare state-approved mass protest as thousands gathered at the Rafah border and other cities to oppose Trump’s displacement proposal.
- Protesters waved Egyptian and Palestinian flags while chanting “Long Live Egypt”.
- Sinai resident Gazy Saeed declared, “We say no to any displacement of Palestine or Gaza at the expense of Egypt.”
- Security sources confirmed that groups close to Sisi provided transportation for protesters, indicating both public and government disapproval of Trump’s plan.
Sisi’s Strong Rejection of the Plan
- On Wednesday, Sisi stated that Egyptians would protest to show their opposition.
- Egypt has long refused resettling Palestinians in Sinai, fearing long-term instability.
Trump’s Proposal and U.S. Justification
- Trump first suggested on Saturday that Egypt and Jordan should accept Palestinians from Gaza, calling the enclave a “demolition site” after 15 months of Israeli bombardment.
- On Thursday, Trump doubled down, saying:“We do a lot for them, and they are going to do it.”
- This reference to U.S. military and financial aid to Egypt and Jordan was widely seen as an attempt to pressure the two countries into compliance.
Widespread Arab Opposition
The idea of Palestinian displacement has been consistently rejected by:
- Palestinian leadership, who view Gaza as part of a future independent state.
- Jordan, already home to millions of Palestinian refugees.
- Egypt, where tens of thousands of Palestinians currently reside but have not been granted permanent refugee status.
- Other Arab nations, who fear the plan could permanently dismantle Palestinian statehood efforts.
As tensions rise, Trump’s insistence on relocation is likely to further strain U.S. relations with key allies in the Middle East.
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