Egypt May ‘Temporarily’ Take In Up to Half a Million Gazans

In what could mark a pivotal shift in Middle East geopolitics, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has reportedly offered to temporarily absorb up to half a million Gazans, according to a Lebanese media report. The proposal, allegedly made during a regional summit in Riyadh, comes as part of wider discussions on the future of Gaza and the long-term consequences of Hamas’s war against Israel.

According to Hezbollah-linked Al-Akhbar, the displaced Gazans would be relocated to a city in northern Sinai though it remains unclear whether the city already exists or would be newly constructed for this purpose. Egypt, having previously rejected such relocation plans outright, now appears to be softening its stance, perhaps signaling a readiness to support regional stabilization efforts under defined conditions.

The timing of the offer is notable, coming as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to unveil a broader “Liberation Plan” for Gaza, which includes proposals for temporary evacuation and third-country resettlement as the enclave is rebuilt. Egypt’s reported willingness to cooperate even if temporarily may reflect both practical concern for regional security and strategic alignment with Washington.

However, the word “temporary” remains undefined. Would Gazans remain in Sinai for the five-year reconstruction period outlined in Trump’s plan? Or is Egypt signaling something shorter, designed more as a pressure valve than a permanent solution?

The move has reportedly alarmed Jordan, where Palestinians already comprise over 60% of the population. Jordan’s Hashemite monarchy remains wary of further demographic shifts that could threaten its stability, particularly given the historical precedent of Black September in 1970, when King Hussein confronted a Palestinian challenge to his rule.

There is also the question of who would finance such a relocation. Building infrastructure for hundreds of thousands of people is no small task. It is expected that the Gulf states led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait would shoulder the bulk of the costs. Trump has signaled no intention of committing U.S. funds to such a project, maintaining his position that America’s regional allies must lead on financial responsibility.

And yet, for all the uncertainty, Egypt’s gesture could represent a significant turning point. If carried out in good faith, it signals regional recognition that returning to the status quo in Gaza is untenable. Even as details remain scarce, Cairo’s conditional openness adds credibility to Trump’s plan once dismissed as improbable by illustrating that real movement is taking place behind the scenes.

As the world waits to see how this proposal unfolds, one truth becomes clear: the conversation about Gaza’s future is no longer theoretical. Options are being weighed, alliances tested, and solutions however temporary are beginning to emerge.

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