Egypt Defies Trump’s Depopulation Call with Bold Gaza Rebuild Plan, Escalating Tensions

A Palestinian man and two girls stand amid the rubble of homes, destroyed by the Israeli army’s air and ground offensive against Hamas in the Bureij refugee camp, Gaza Strip, on Monday. (Abdel Kareem Hana / Associated Press)

In a decisive move, Egypt has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, directly challenging U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate the territory and relocate its Palestinian residents. This initiative underscores Egypt’s commitment to Palestinian sovereignty and regional stability.

*Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi*
*Image Source: Shafaq News*

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized the necessity of rebuilding Gaza without displacing its inhabitants, asserting that such actions would violate international law and exacerbate regional tensions. “The displacement of the Palestinian people from their land is an injustice that we will not participate in,” al-Sisi declared, highlighting Egypt’s firm stance against forced relocations.

The Egyptian plan proposes the establishment of “secure areas” within Gaza to provide temporary housing for displaced residents while extensive reconstruction efforts are underway. This approach aims to rehabilitate the war-torn infrastructure, ensuring that Palestinians can remain on their ancestral lands. Discussions are actively ongoing with European diplomats and key regional players, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, to secure funding and support for the initiative.

President Donald J Trump signed executive order on deregulation and speaks with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife Kathryn in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday, Jan 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

In stark contrast, President Trump’s proposal involves the complete evacuation of Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents, with plans to transform the area into a “Riviera of the Middle East” under U.S. administration. This plan has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community, with critics labeling it as a form of ethnic cleansing and a blatant violation of human rights. Neighboring countries, notably Jordan and Egypt, have categorically rejected the idea of resettling displaced Palestinians within their borders, citing concerns over national security and regional stability.

Egypt’s reconstruction strategy also includes the formation of a non-partisan Palestinian administration to oversee rebuilding efforts, deliberately excluding Hamas to foster a neutral governance structure. Additionally, plans are in place to establish a new police force, primarily composed of former Palestinian Authority personnel, to maintain order and security during the reconstruction phase. The successful implementation of this plan is contingent upon a sustained ceasefire and a clear, collaborative governance framework for Gaza.

As Egypt prepares to present its detailed proposal at upcoming international summits, it seeks to rally global support for a reconstruction process that honors Palestinian rights and promotes lasting peace in the region. This initiative not only counters the U.S. administration’s contentious plans but also reinforces Egypt’s role as a pivotal mediator and advocate for stability in the Middle East.