French, Egyptian foreign ministers reject possible forced displacement of Gazans

By Nur Asena Erturk

The French and Egyptian foreign ministers have rejected any solution that forces displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Jean-Noel Barrot and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty discussed situation in the Middle East on the sidelines of the International Conference on Syria in Paris on Thursday, the French Foreign Ministry said.

Regarding Gaza, the ministers rejected any solution that would result in forced displacement of the Palestinian population, and thus "represent a grave violation of international law and destabilize neighboring countries."

Barrot and Abdelatty expressed their determination to work with partners for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and a durable reconstruction of the enclave “based on a detailed and concrete plan for the ‘day after,’ including the issues of governance and security,” the ministry added.

US President Donald Trump has floated the idea of resettling Palestinians from Gaza, which has been reduced to a rubble by Israel's bombardment for over 15 months, to Egypt, Jordan and other countries. He says the US would take over the enclave and turn it into a tourist destination.

The plan has drawn widespread condemnation from the Arab world and beyond.