Egypt, Denmark call for full implementation of Gaza ceasefire deal, reject Palestinian resettlement

By Ibrahim Khazen and Rania Abu Shamala

CAIRO (AA) – Egypt and Denmark called Tuesday for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and rebuilding the enclave without relocating its Palestinian residents.

This came during a phone call between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Discussions between the two leaders covered various aspects of strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in the economic and investment fields and clean and renewable energy, the presidency said in a statement.

Sisi and Frederiksen underlined the “crucial need for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in its three phases, the exchange of hostages and detainees, as well as facilitating immediate and unfettered access for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip,” the statement said.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Palestinians should establish their state in Saudi Arabia rather than in their own homeland, dismissing any notion of Palestinian sovereignty.

It followed a controversial suggestion by US President Donald Trump to take over Gaza and relocate Palestinians elsewhere to turn the enclave into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

His proposal was met with widespread condemnations from Palestinians, Arab countries, and many other nations across the world, including Canada, France, Germany, and the UK.

A ceasefire agreement has been in place in Gaza since Jan. 19, halting the Israeli war that has killed more than 48,000 people, mostly women and children, and left the Palestinian enclave in ruins.