Egypt agrees to absorb half a million Gazans temporarily

In early March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump made requests for Egypt and Jordan to accept numerous Gazan civilians as part of a potential reconstruction effort. Both Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah rejected the proposal, expressing concerns about the security implications of relocating millions of Palestinians. Following those discussions, Sisi proposed a willingness to temporarily take in half a million Gazans during meetings with Arab leaders in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The proposal to absorb these Palestinians stems from a broader Arab-lead initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza. An Egyptian reconstruction plan, worth $53 billion, was approved which emphasizes rebuilding the region without the mandatory displacement of its residents. This approach starkly contrasts with Israeli suggestions for a permanent exodus of Palestinian residents. The demographics of Gaza indicate a strong desire among younger residents and those in the most affected areas to leave the strip if given the opportunity. A Gallup survey revealed that 52% of Gaza residents would leave, whether temporarily or permanently. The poll results were circulated just before renewed Israeli military actions in the region, highlighting the complex environment in which such decisions are made. In response to the claims made by some media outlets, both Israeli and Egyptian officials have vehemently denied reports of an official agreement to accommodate Gazans in northern Sinai, reiterating Egypt’s firm stance against displacing Palestinians and reinforcing the belief that Gaza's reconstruction must proceed without evicting its inhabitants. These developments set the stage for significant geopolitical implications concerning Gaza's governance and the future of its residents.