Egypt and Qatar have strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Netanyahu’s comments as part of “ongoing attempts to prolong escalation in the region and perpetuate instability while avoiding accountability for Israeli violations in Gaza”.
Netanyahu had claimed that “half of the population wants to leave Gaza” and suggested opening the Rafah crossing for them, but noted it would be closed immediately by Egypt.
In response, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its “categorical rejection of forcibly or coercively displacing Palestinians from their land”.
The ministry stressed that these practices represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes that cannot be tolerated.
Egypt affirmed it will never be complicit in such practices nor act as a conduit for Palestinian displacement, describing this as a “red line” that cannot be crossed.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also fiercely criticized Netanyahu’s remarks, calling them an “extension of the occupation’s approach to violating the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people”.
The ministry emphasized that policies of collective punishment against Palestinians will not succeed in forcing them to leave their land or confiscating their legitimate rights.
Qatar urged the international community to unite with determination to confront the extremist and provocative policies of the Israeli occupation.
Newsmen noted that Netanyahu’s comments were “incredibly controversial” since it’s the Israeli government that has outlined wanting Palestinians out of Gaza.
“The condemnation from both Qatar and Egypt is essentially telling Israel this is all a part of its larger plan,” she said. “It is Israel that single-handedly created this policy.”
The condemnation comes as Egypt and Qatar continue to lead mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, seeking to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries to the coastal enclave.
Saudi Arabia has also rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, affirming its categorical rejection of displacing Palestinians from their land.
The international community has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with many calling for an end to the violence and a resolution to the conflict. The Egyptian and Qatari condemnation of Netanyahu’s remarks highlights the growing concern over Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with many Palestinians facing dire living conditions. The blockade of Gaza has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Egypt and Qatar’s mediation efforts aim to secure a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. However, the success of these efforts remains uncertain, given the deep-seated differences between Hamas and Israel.
The reaction from Saudi Arabia, which has also rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, underscores the growing regional concern over Israel’s policies towards Palestinians. As tensions continue to rise, the international community must prioritize finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
