CAIRO: Israeli officials have reportedly devised a controversial plan to settle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip within Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, aiming to persuade Egypt to accept these refugees in exchange for the complete forgiveness of Egypt’s debts to the World Bank, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
The proposal, disclosed by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, has raised significant concerns about regional stability and security.
According to the newspaper, Israel is applying pressure on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to accommodate Gaza residents, a move Egypt fears could lead to a surge of refugees attempting to cross the Rafah border crossing. President Sisi has publicly voiced his strong opposition to the arrival of Palestinian refugees in Sinai, citing the potential security risks associated with such an influx.
Egypt’s Objects to Controversial Israeli Plan
Sisi’s apprehensions are grounded in the fear that settling Palestinians in Sinai could turn the region into a base for attacks against Israel. Such a development might also lead to Egypt becoming a launching pad for armed operations, potentially escalating tensions between Egypt and Israel and even triggering conflict.
The Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.4 million Palestinians, has witnessed an increase in refugees attempting to escape the conflict, resulting in a surge of individuals gathering near the closed Rafah crossing.
