Malaysian, Egyptian leaders reject plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza
A Palestinian man carries water in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza on February 4, 2025 [Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have jointly rejected any proposals to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Anwar revealed that he had discussed the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction efforts in Gaza with El-Sisi, emphasizing their shared commitment to preserving Palestinian rights.
“President El-Sisi and I firmly reject any attempt to force Palestinians out from Gaza, as such actions would undermine the Palestinian cause and efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state,” Anwar stated.
He also commended Egypt’s ongoing efforts to facilitate humanitarian and medical aid to Palestinians affected by Israel’s prolonged military campaign.
The leaders discussed collaborative initiatives under the East Asia Cooperation for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), involving Japan and Malaysia, to rebuild Gaza.
Anwar stressed the importance of international solidarity to ensure effective and meaningful assistance to Palestine.
Egypt has been working on a “comprehensive vision” for Gaza’s reconstruction, aiming to restore the territory devastated by 15 months of relentless Israeli bombardment while ensuring Palestinians remain in their homeland.
This stance comes amid mounting pressure from the United States, which has urged Jordan and Egypt to accept displaced Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump recently reiterated his controversial proposal to seize control of Gaza, relocate its residents, and redevelop the enclave as a tourist destination.
During a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House on Tuesday, Trump renewed his call for Gazans to be moved to other countries in the region—a plan that has been met with strong opposition from Palestinians and Arab leaders.
The unified rejection by Malaysia and Egypt underscores their commitment to Palestinian self-determination and resistance to external pressures that threaten to displace Gaza’s population.
