The discussion centers on relocating a significant portion of Gaza’s population to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The proposal argues for enhanced cooperation between Israel and Egypt, emphasizing the shared cultural ties between Gazans and Sinai residents. Key points include the benefits of utilizing Sinai’s resources, Egypt’s historical governance over Gaza, and the necessity for a strategic shift in U.S.-Egypt-Israel relations to effectively resolve the ongoing issues in Gaza.
The Gaza Strip is currently home to approximately 2.2 million individuals living in a densely populated area of 360 square kilometers. This region suffers from a lack of employment opportunities and inadequate infrastructure. In contrast, Sinai, which borders Gaza, spans 60,000 square kilometers and has a population of around 600,000, reflecting a vastly lower population density. Ethnically and culturally, Gazans and Sinai residents share similarities, including language, religion, and familial ties, particularly evident in areas like Rafah that straddle the border.
Sinai remains underutilized and is primarily an arena for illegal activities such as smuggling and human trafficking. Its potential for agriculture and renewable energy remains largely untapped, and the El-Arish port has not been fully operational despite its capacity for increased use. Transforming El-Arish into Gaza’s main port could substantially benefit both Gaza’s residents and Egypt.
A practical solution for Gaza’s residents would be for Egypt to accept a significant number of them into Sinai, allowing for relocation without the complexities of long-distance emigration. Following President Trump’s initiative, it is proposed that up to one million individuals could transition to Sinai, receiving opportunities for employment and economic progress. This process necessitates freedom of movement, as claims against voluntary emigration are hypocritical, especially given international acceptance of refugees from other crises.
Egypt must open the Rafah border to facilitate the voluntary migration of residents, as many Gazans would choose to leave if given the opportunity. Some estimates suggest that up to 80 percent might opt to relocate under improved conditions. However, Egypt’s collaboration with the U.S. and Israel raises questions about its intentions regarding the Gaza issue; it seems to benefit politically from maintaining the status quo while simultaneously profiting from illicit cross-border exchanges with Hamas.
The relationship between Egypt and its allies cannot remain unilateral. Efforts toward Gaza’s resolution require Egypt’s active involvement, yet there is uncertainty about its willingness to foster change. Increasingly, Egypt appears to leverage the Gaza problem to keep Israel engaged, thereby enhancing their mediating role while benefiting from ongoing cross-border activities.
Egypt’s military buildup, focused primarily on perceived threats from Israel, reflects a need to reassess U.S. and Israeli relations with its policymakers. Egypt’s unmet security commitments under the Camp David Accords underscore the necessity for a new dialogue that holds Egypt accountable. The historical precedent established before 1967 suggests that Egypt should assume governance over Gaza.
Egypt, alongside support from the 22 Arab League nations, could facilitate essential services for the estimated one million Palestinians who would remain in Gaza. This initiative offers a striking opportunity to resolve long-standing issues by addressing terrorism and creating pathways toward economic growth and stability in the region. Joint efforts by the U.S. and Israel are essential to encourage Egypt to embrace this vision and deflect criticisms stemming from outdated perspectives.
Israel should push for Egypt’s active involvement in addressing the Gaza crisis, as historical context reveals Egypt’s significant role in the region. Facilitating voluntary relocation of Gazans to Sinai could yield substantial benefits for both parties, fostering economic growth. The relationship with Egypt must evolve to ensure mutual cooperation addressing current security challenges and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ultimately leading to a more stable regional dynamic.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
