- i24news
- Middle East
- Egypt preparing for potential Gaza residents' immigration in 2024 - report
Egypt preparing for potential Gaza residents' immigration in 2024 - report
Contrary to its official stance, Cairo is reportedly considering plans for Palestinians to enter through the Rafah crossing
Egypt is purportedly making arrangements for the potential relocation of hundreds of thousands of Gaza Strip residents onto its soil starting in early 2024, according to reports from the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Contrary to its official stance, Cairo is reportedly considering plans for Palestinians to enter through the Rafah crossing, with discussions about other Arab countries welcoming those permitted to leave.
This includes possibilities for Palestinian students to receive scholarships abroad.
Reports suggest Egypt aims for an organized departure process via pre-issued exit permits, highlighting criteria such as health conditions requiring care, humanitarian grounds, and education. However, it's stipulated that these individuals wouldn't settle in Sinai but disperse elsewhere outside Sinai with a new status.
Allegedly, the change in Egypt's position arises from concerns that Israel may hinder Gaza's economic recovery post-conflict, prompting Egypt to seek economic aid for resettlement efforts from various countries.
Follow the latest updates on the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza>>>
President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi previously suggested relocating displaced Palestinians to the Negev territories, accusing ongoing military actions as an attempt to encourage migration to Egypt.
Recent reports have also suggested Hamas intends to pressure Egypt by inciting Gaza residents to flock to the Rafah crossing and Egypt's border in a bid to halt fighting in the southern Gaza Strip.