Thousands of Egyptians flooded the streets near the Gaza border on Tuesday, voicing fierce opposition to Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. The protests weren’t just about solidarity — they were a direct message to Washington: Cairo isn’t playing along.
Trump’s Words Hit a Nerve in Cairo
At the heart of the outrage is Trump’s proposal to move Palestinians “to a beautiful location,” which he floated during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Trump framed the idea as a redevelopment opportunity — turning the war-torn Gaza Strip into prime real estate, essentially clearing the land and its people.
The very idea of relocating Palestinians — especially into Egyptian territory — has long been a national red line. For decades, Cairo has warned that forced displacement would destabilize the region, undermine Palestinian statehood, and drag Egypt deeper into a decades-old conflict. Now, the fear is no longer hypothetical.
Massive Protest Near Gaza Border Sends Loud Signal
State media reported that thousands rallied in Al-Arish, just 30 miles from Rafah, Gaza’s only border crossing not controlled by Israel. Protesters came in droves, many bussed in by pro-government groups. They waved Palestinian flags, beat drums, and carried signs reading:
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“Gaza is in our heart”
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“No to the displacement of the Palestinians”
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“Sinai is a red line”
For Egyptians, especially in North Sinai, the prospect of absorbing displaced Palestinians isn’t just political — it’s personal. Residents fear the arrival of hundreds of thousands of refugees would change the fabric of the region, strain local resources, and make Sinai a permanent frontline in Israel’s war with Hamas.
One protester shouted into a megaphone: “Trump’s plan is not a peace plan — it’s ethnic cleansing!”
Arab Leaders Close Ranks in Rejection
Jordan, another key U.S. ally and home to millions of Palestinians, also slammed the relocation idea. Both Cairo and Amman are pushing instead for a revival of peace talks and a return to the two-state framework.
French President Emmanuel Macron, currently visiting Egypt, threw his weight behind the rejection. Standing beside Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Macron called for an “immediate ceasefire” and said any solution must respect Palestinian sovereignty — not erase it.
The timing of Macron’s visit and the street protests wasn’t lost on anyone.
Egypt’s Historic Role Adds Extra Tension
Egypt ruled Gaza until 1967, and it remains the only Arab country besides Jordan to share a border with the enclave. Its historical ties with Palestinians go deep — but so do its security concerns.
Officials in Cairo have warned that any mass influx of Gazans into Sinai would be seen as a permanent resettlement, not temporary refuge. That would effectively kill the dream of a Palestinian state and, in Egypt’s view, serve Israeli interests more than humanitarian ones.
“El-Sisi will not allow the Sinai to become an alternative homeland,” said a senior Egyptian diplomat who spoke anonymously. “This is a red line we will not cross.”
Even Egypt’s tightly controlled state media has echoed the same message.
Trump Doubles Down — and So Does the Backlash
Despite regional backlash, Trump showed no signs of walking back his proposal. In fact, he doubled down on Monday, calling Gaza “a horrible place” and claiming Palestinians would be better off elsewhere. Critics say that language only fuels fears of forced expulsion.
The backlash has been swift and wide.
In addition to Egypt and Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have expressed concern. Even Washington’s own diplomats are reportedly divided on the wisdom — and feasibility — of such a plan.
According to the United Nations, more than 1.8 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have already been displaced due to Israeli bombardments since October 2023. But forcing them out of the territory altogether? That, observers warn, could spark a regional firestorm.
How Local Sentiment Is Shaping Foreign Policy
Egyptian leaders aren’t just reacting to Trump’s comments; they’re watching their own streets. The Al-Arish protests weren’t spontaneous, but the anger was real. In a country where public dissent is rare and often discouraged, such a visible protest — even one quietly backed by the government — speaks volumes.
A brief look at Tuesday’s protest messages:
| Slogan | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Gaza is in our heart” | Expresses national solidarity with Palestinians |
| “No to displacement of Palestinians” | Clear stance against relocation proposals |
| “Sinai is a red line” | Asserts territorial sovereignty, warns foreign powers |
Sinai has been a sensitive area for decades. It’s been the site of militant insurgency, military crackdowns, and now — potentially — international political maneuvering.
And Egyptians aren’t having it.
What’s Next: Diplomacy or Deepening Divide?
The U.S. may try to walk back Trump’s remarks or downplay them as campaign bravado. But the damage, many in the region believe, is done.
Egypt is doubling down on calls for a ceasefire. Arab leaders are closing ranks against any forced migration. And even within Israel, there’s debate on whether displacing Gazans is even logistically or politically viable.
What is clear, though, is that any attempt to redraw the map — literally or figuratively — without local support will face a storm of resistance.
