Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid proposed on Tuesday before a forum at a research center in Washington that Egypt should take over the administration of the Gaza Strip for at least the next eight years after the end of the war between the Hebrew state and Hamas, in exchange for the international community paying off Cairo’s external debts, France24 reported.
The former Israeli Prime Minister stated, “The solution is for Egypt to take responsibility for administering the Gaza Strip for eight years, with the option of extending that to 15 years.”
“At the same time, (Egypt’s) external debt will be repaid by the international community and regional allies.”
France24 reported that Lapid’s proposal includes Egypt leading a “peace force” in which the international community and Gulf states will also participate, with the aim of “managing and rebuilding” the Strip devastated by the war that has lasted more than 15 months, which broke out following the attack launched by the Palestinian movement on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
He added, “During that period, conditions for self-governance will be provided and the process of fully demilitarizing the Gaza Strip will be completed.”
Trump’s controversial plan
Trump said that he is “committed to buying and owning Gaza and may give parts of it to other countries in the Middle East to rebuild,” Reuters reported on Sunday.
Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that he would look into individual cases to allow Palestinian refugees into the US.
Egypt rejects displacement
Sisi has previously stressed Egypt’s absolute rejection of the displacement of the people of Gaza, saying: “I say it with utmost frankness… the displacement and deportation of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate.”
He stressed Egypt’s consistent position supporting the Palestinian cause, which can never be relinquished in any way.
During a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto at al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace late January, President Sisi added: “If I asked for this from the Egyptian people, they would all take to the streets and tell me no, do not participate in injustice.”
Egypt rejects displacement
Sisi has previously stressed Egypt’s absolute rejection of the displacement of the people of Gaza, saying: “I say it with utmost frankness… the displacement and deportation of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate.”
He stressed Egypt’s consistent position supporting the Palestinian cause, which can never be relinquished in any way.
During a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto at al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace late January, President Sisi added: “If I asked for this from the Egyptian people, they would all take to the streets and tell me no, do not participate in injustice.”
