Egypt Rejects Lapid’s Proposal for Gaza Guardianship
Egypt emphasized on Wednesday that any proposal involving its administration of Gaza is “rejected and unacceptable.” This statement came in response to a suggestion by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who proposed that Cairo take control of the Palestinian enclave following the war between Israel and Hamas.
Egypt’s Official Stance on Gaza’s Future
The spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed journalists’ questions, dismissing circulating proposals about Gaza’s future as “half-solutions” that “contribute to renewing cycles of conflict rather than resolving them permanently.” Responding to inquiries about governance plans for Gaza in the next phase—specifically Lapid’s idea of Egypt managing the territory temporarily—the spokesperson stressed that any suggestions bypassing Egypt’s and the Arab world’s core positions are untenable.
These positions include Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The spokesperson stated, “Proposals that sidestep these fundamentals are rejected and unacceptable, as they perpetuate conflict rather than offering a final settlement.”
Egypt underscored the “organic connection” between Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, asserting that these territories form the basis of an independent Palestinian state under full Palestinian sovereignty and administration.
Yair Lapid’s Proposal: The “Egyptian Solution”
Earlier, Yair Lapid, the Israeli opposition leader, unveiled a plan dubbed the “Egyptian Solution” for Gaza’s future. His proposal suggests Egypt assume temporary guardianship over Gaza for several years, in exchange for political and financial incentives, including assistance with Egypt’s debt repayment. Speaking at an event hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, Lapid outlined that Egypt’s role would span 8 to 15 years. The plan aims to secure Israel’s southern border and facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction after dismantling Hamas’s rule.
Lapid’s proposal positions Egypt as a stabilizing force in the region, but Cairo’s swift rejection highlights the complexities of involving external actors in Gaza’s governance.
Why Egypt Rejects the Idea
Egypt’s firm stance reflects its long-standing policy of supporting Palestinian self-determination while avoiding direct involvement in managing Gaza. Analysts suggest that Cairo views such proposals as shifting the burden of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict onto Egypt, potentially undermining its regional influence and domestic priorities.
By rejecting Lapid’s plan, Egypt reaffirms its commitment to a comprehensive solution rooted in Palestinian statehood rather than temporary fixes that could prolong instability in the region.
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