UPDATE - Egypt ‘will not participate in act of injustice’ of displacing Palestinians

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Ibrahim Khazen and Mohammad Sio

CAIRO (AA) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared Wednesday that his country will not participate in any forced displacement of Palestinians, calling it “an act of injustice we cannot be part of.”

Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Kenyan President William Ruto, Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance on the Palestinian cause.​​​​​​​

“The historic principles of Egypt’s position on Palestine are non-negotiable,” Sisi stated, emphasizing his country’s commitment to a two-state solution.

“Egypt’s national security cannot be compromised. We are determined to work with President (Donald) Trump to achieve a peace settlement based on the two-state solution,” he added.

Trump called this weekend to “clean out” Gaza and resettle Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, describing the enclave as a “demolition site” after Israel’s genocidal war.

Cairo and Amman, however, vehemently rejected any call for the displacement or relocation of Palestinians from their land.

Trump's proposal came after a ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, suspending the Israeli war that has killed more than 47,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured over 111,000 since Oct. 7, 2023

Regarding Egypt’s relations with Kenya, Sisi said it was agreed to strengthen ties and elevate them to a strategic partnership.

“This will open the door for expanded cooperation in various fields, particularly defense, security, counterterrorism, water management, culture, education and capacity building,” he said.

The two leaders also discussed the conflict in Sudan, exchanging views on potential solutions and stressing the need for continued efforts between Egypt and Kenya to resolve the crisis.

Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN and local authorities. A study by US universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000.

For his part, Ruto described Egypt as a key strategic partner.

“Egypt is a reliable partner, and we share a common vision for sustainable development,” Ruto stated.

He also emphasized the importance of utilizing regional resources to bolster security and commended Egypt’s leadership in this regard.

Before the news conference, the two leaders held talks followed by expanded discussions involving their respective delegations.

They also signed a joint declaration upgrading Egypt-Kenya relations to a strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding between the two nations, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.