Egypt and Qatar Condemn Netanyahu’s Remarks on Displacing Palestinians from Gaza Cairo / Doha Egypt and Qatar have issued strong condemnations of recent comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting the possibility of displacing Palestinians from Gaza through Egypt’s Rafah crossing. The remarks, widely perceived as alluding to the permanent expulsion of Gaza’s population, have sparked a wave of diplomatic backlash across the Arab world.
Egypt: "A Red Line That Must Not Be Crossed"
In an official statement released by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cairo described Netanyahu’s suggestions as a “grave escalation” and warned that any form of forced or even so-called ‘voluntary’ displacement of Palestinians from Gaza constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, strongly rejected claims that the Palestinian population could be relocated under voluntary terms, calling the idea "nonsense." He argued that no decision can be free or voluntary under conditions of siege, starvation, and bombardment. Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt will neither facilitate nor allow any process that contributes to the emptying of Gaza, a move that many analysts warn could amount to ethnic cleansing.
“Egypt considers Gaza an integral part of the Palestinian homeland, and we will not be complicit in any plans to strip Palestinians of their right to live on their land,” said Abdelatty.
Cairo further reiterated that the Rafah crossing—the only non-Israeli-controlled border point with Gaza—is intended for the delivery of humanitarian aid, not for population transfer. The statement stressed that Egypt remains committed to supporting the Palestinian cause and to ensuring the territorial integrity and identity of Palestine.
Qatar: Displacement Remarks “Part of a Broader Policy of Oppression”
Qatar also condemned Netanyahu’s comments, framing them as part of a long-standing Israeli policy aimed at dismantling Palestinian national aspirations. In a press briefing, the Qatari Foreign Ministry accused Israel of pursuing a systematic campaign to undermine the two-state solution through territorial expansion, economic blockade, and now population displacement.
“This is not just about a speech. This is about the continuation of an agenda that seeks to erase the Palestinian people from their land,” a ministry spokesperson said.
Doha further called on the international community to take urgent and concrete steps to prevent what it labeled as a new chapter in the forced displacement of Palestinians, drawing historical parallels with the 1948 Nakba, during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes.
Qatar reaffirmed its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and rejected any political maneuvering that threatens the demographic or territorial composition of Palestine
Broader Arab and International Reactions
The remarks by Netanyahu have also triggered responses from other Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the suggestion of displacing Palestinians “a blatant violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.” Riyadh has also reportedly lobbied the United Nations Security Council to intervene immediately and condemn any plans to forcibly remove civilians from Gaza.
Jordan, whose population includes a large number of Palestinian refugees, went further by labeling Netanyahu’s suggestion as a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. The Jordanian government expressed solidarity with Egypt’s position, warning that regional peace efforts would collapse if such a plan were pursued.
Context: A History of Displacement
Netanyahu’s comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, as Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue with devastating humanitarian consequences. Since the escalation began, more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over two million are facing displacement, lack of medical services, and severe food shortages.
Observers note that the current remarks reflect a pattern of Israeli rhetoric and policy that seeks to manage the Gaza crisis through population reduction, rather than political resolution. The Israeli government has denied planning forced expulsions, but multiple ministers have expressed interest in exploring “humanitarian corridors” that would allow civilians to leave Gaza—an idea that critics argue is a cover for ethnic cleansing.
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