Egypt has firmly rejected any proposals suggesting that Cairo should assume temporary administration over the Gaza Strip, as stated by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khalaf on Wednesday.
Khalaf’s statement came just a day after Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid suggested that Egypt could take control of Gaza after the war for a period of at least eight years, with the option of extending the administration to 15 years, in exchange for the international community helping to settle Egypt’s foreign debts.
“We do not believe that these proposals are actual solutions. They would only prolong the conflict rather than bring about a lasting resolution,” Khalaf emphasized. He also highlighted that the Palestinians should exercise “full sovereignty” over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, assuming full responsibility for their administration.
Khalaf reiterated Egypt’s stance that the solution to the conflict lies in the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Historically, Egypt administered the Gaza Strip from 1948 to 1967. However, Egypt has consistently rejected proposals that would displace Palestinians or involve foreign control of the area. This includes the disapproved plan by former US President Donald Trump, which suggested relocating Palestinians from their homeland to Egypt and Jordan, and constructing a “Riviera” in the Middle East.
Instead, Egypt is focusing on preparing a comprehensive plan to rebuild Gaza, aiming to do so without displacing its people.
Additionally, Cairo is set to host an emergency Arab Summit on March 4th to discuss ways to support the Palestinian cause and further the pursuit of a just solution based on the two-state model.
