As two weeks pass since the ceasefire in Gaza took effect, many Palestinians who fled to Egypt during the war are now debating whether to return to the devastated Strip or wait until reconstruction efforts begin. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the relocation of Gazans to neighboring Arab countries such as Egypt and Jordan remains on the table. Reports this morning (Tuesday) stated Trump is expected to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the U.S. in about two weeks to discuss the matter.
“The Goal Will Be Lost”
“Many people are torn inside, and I am one of them,” says Shorouk, a Palestinian from Gaza currently in Egypt. She she told Reuters, “Many are wondering whether it is worth returning to an area still devastated and under reconstruction or waiting until the situation improves.”
“Do you choose to return and live among ruins, or do you wait for full reconstruction?” Shorouk asks. “We, the people of Gaza, can only live in Gaza. If we are granted residency in other countries, that goal is gone.”
Yesterday, in an interview published in Rega News with Middle East expert and influencer Dr. Edy Cohen, he predicted that “the moment the crossings open, Gazans will leave the Strip.” Dr. Cohen believes a quiet migration without dramatic declarations would be beneficial: “We need to keep a low profile and let it happen gradually.”
“I Am Convinced They Will Do It”
During a White House press conference, Trump was asked whether he still believed it was a good idea for Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinian refugees, given their opposition to the idea.
“I think Jordan will take people from Gaza, and I think Egypt will too,” Trump replied. “I heard someone say they won’t do it, but I think they will. I am convinced they will.”
100,000 Gazans are Already in Egypt
Despite Trump’s confidence, Egypt has repeatedly stated that it will not cooperate with his plan, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi calling it “an injustice.” However, according to Reuters, there are already about 100,000 Gazans in Egypt, many of whom do not know when or how they will be able to return to the Strip.
During the war the Israel-Egypt border was mostly closed, leaving the vast majority of Gaza’s population displaced and forced to find shelter within the Strip itself. Footage from Gaza has shown numerous tent and makeshift housing camps springing up.
Throughout certain months of the war, only a limited number of people were allowed to leave, including Palestinians with foreign passports, their relatives, and critically ill patients evacuated for humanitarian reasons. Most of those who fled to Egypt do not have long-term residency permits, thereby viewing their stay there as temporary.
“We Still Don’t Know What Fate Has in Store for Us”
“Even if the war ends, we still don’t know what will happen to us,” says Abeer Kamal, who has been living in Cairo since November 2023. “Our homes are gone. We have nothing — no home, no family, no siblings.”
As leaders debate solutions, the fate of those displaced hangs in the balance, waiting for clarity amid the chaos.
