Egypt is reportedly considering the temporary relocation of 500,000 Gazans to northern Sinai, according to a Hezbollah-affiliated report. This plan, which has not been confirmed by other sources, aligns with Egypt’s broader reconstruction efforts but faces skepticism from Jordan and rejection by U.S. officials due to concerns about Gaza’s current living conditions.

Recent reports indicate that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has approved a plan to temporarily relocate up to 500,000 residents from Gaza, which constitutes nearly a quarter of the enclave’s population. This proposition, detailed in an unverified report by the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar, suggests the establishment of a designated city in northern Sinai for the displaced individuals, contingent on opening Egypt’s border to those wishing to exit Gaza.

The announcement has raised apprehensions in Jordan, which has clarified its intent to provide limited aid strictly to families of the wounded, albeit on a temporary basis. Amid this, during a recent Arab League summit, Egypt had also introduced a comprehensive $53 billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, proposing designated housing zones for up to 1.5 million Palestinians.

Additionally, this plan entails establishing a six-month transitional administration led by independent technocrats while excluding members from Gaza’s militant factions. However, during the discussions, no precedents were set regarding Egypt’s potential acceptance of displaced Gazans.

The proposal faced rejection from U.S. officials citing that it does not adequately address the existing conditions in Gaza, which are deemed uninhabitable due to extensive destruction and dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. In the face of criticisms related to the relocation concept put forth by President Trump, he assured that there would be no forcible expulsion of Palestinians.

The reported plan for the temporary relocation of Gaza residents to northern Sinai, proposed by President el-Sisi, has sparked concerns among neighboring countries and elicited criticism from the United States, which does not believe the proposal accurately reflects the dire situation in Gaza. The complexities involved highlight shifting dynamics in regional responses to the ongoing crisis, as Egypt seeks to balance humanitarian concerns with geopolitical realities.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com

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