Daijiworld Media Network- Cairo
Cairo, Feb 27: Egypt has strongly rejected any proposal suggesting it take over the temporary administration of the Gaza Strip, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Egypt’s official Middle East News Agency, quoting Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tamim Khalaf, stated that any plans bypassing the established Egyptian and Arab stance on the issue are "rejected and unacceptable." He described such proposals as "half-solutions" that would only prolong cycles of conflict instead of ensuring lasting peace, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Khalaf emphasized the territorial unity of Palestinian lands, highlighting the "organic connection between the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem." He reiterated that these areas form the future Palestinian state and must remain under full Palestinian sovereignty and administration.
On Tuesday, Israeli Opposition leader Yair Lapid proposed an eight-year term for Egyptian administration over Gaza after the ongoing war, with the international community settling Egypt’s foreign debt as an incentive. He suggested a security framework involving Israel, Egypt, the US, and Arab countries to oversee security in Gaza. However, Lapid admitted that he had not formally discussed the plan with Egyptian officials, though he claimed to have spoken with regional leaders.
Lapid’s eight-point plan included maintaining the ceasefire until the final phase, ensuring the release of hostages, and keeping Israeli forces on Gaza’s outer borders. The plan also proposed Egyptian administration of Gaza under a UN Security Council resolution, covering internal security and civil governance.
Egypt had previously governed the Gaza Strip from 1948 to 1967. However, Cairo has categorically rejected any such responsibility again, including past US proposals, such as former President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Gaza’s native population to Egypt and Jordan while developing a so-called "Riviera in the Middle East."
Egypt, along with Jordan and other Arab nations, has firmly opposed any displacement of Palestinians, calling instead for progress on the two-state solution as the only just and viable resolution to the conflict.
Rather than endorsing external control over Gaza, Egypt is preparing a comprehensive plan to rebuild the war-ravaged region while ensuring that Palestinians remain in their homeland.
Cairo is set to host an emergency Arab Summit on March 4 to discuss measures to support Palestine and advance its cause.