US pushes Gaza relocation plan in high-stakes Cairo meetings
Discussions centred on the contentious relocation plan as well as Egypt's long-standing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD).
An unnamed senior Trump administration official allegedly visited Cairo this past week for a series of high-stakes meetings with top Egyptian leaders regarding a controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
According to reports from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, a news outlet, the United States envoy leveraged Egypt's water security crisis as a bargaining tool to push America's relocation agenda.
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During the visit, the US official held separate talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and General Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad.
Discussions centred on the contentious relocation plan as well as Egypt's long-standing dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Sources privy to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed indicated that the US involvement in resolving the dam issue was hinged upon Egypt's cooperation with the proposed Palestinian displacement that President Trump announced after a meeting with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
"We will own Gaza. I envision citizens from all over the world living there as the Riviera of the Middle East. We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal. I have no doubt that the King of Jordan and the General in Egypt will open their hearts and grant us land to settle the Palestinians," said Trump on Tuesday.
Despite intense diplomatic pressure, Egyptian officials reportedly rejected Trump's suggestion expressing serious concerns about the feasibility of such a plan not to mention its potential consequences.
"We made it clear that forcibly moving Palestinians is neither viable nor acceptable. The challenges associated with this plan are insurmountable, and we reject any attempt to pressure Egypt into compliance," an Egyptian Official told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Public opposition to the US proposal has also been a point of concern for American officials. The US envoy reportedly met with political figures and public leaders to gauge whether recent protests against the plan were rooted in broader anti-American sentiment or simply opposition to the displacement initiative itself.
As per Al-Araby Al-Jadeed's sources, Cairo's ability to counter Trump's agenda would be challenging without broader regional support.
"Trump is prepared to execute this plan regardless of the objection expressed by Egypt. As such, we cannot stand alone on this matter. Broader Arab unity is essential to counter this plan," said a senior Egyptian diplomat.
While rejecting the forced relocation, Egyptian officials reiterated their willingness to explore alternative solutions that would guarantee Israel's security while respecting Palestinian sovereignty.
"Our position remains consistent—we support peace, but peace must come without displacement," noted another Egyptian state representative.
Trump, however, appeared undeterred by Egypt's objections. During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, he claimed to have discussed the relocation plan directly with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Egyptian officials initially denied that such a conversation had occurred. Nevertheless, the Egyptian presidency confirmed on Saturday that President Sisi had spoken with Trump by phone.
"The conversation was positive with both leaders emphasising the importance of accelerating humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. President Sisi remains steadfast in advocating for solutions that protect Palestinian rights while ensuring regional stability," stated Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shenawy while sharing the contents of the call.
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