Egypt denounces characterization of Palestinian relocation as voluntary as sheer nonsense

In the ongoing Gaza conflict, key players have been actively discussing potential solutions to end the violence and address the displacement of Palestinians.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who is a key mediator in efforts to end the conflict, has strongly opposed the idea that the displacement of Palestinians can be considered voluntary. He deemed such a notion as "nonsense."

During a joint press conference with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, led by commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini, Abdelatty also accused Israel of intransigence over the delay in reaching a ceasefire. He further accused Israel of creating a manmade famine in Gaza with the intention of pushing residents out of their land.

Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has expressed support for the idea that Palestinians in Gaza should be allowed to voluntarily leave. However, he emphasised the basic human right of every individual to choose where they live, particularly during times of war.

Israel has suggested that other countries should accept Palestinians who choose to leave Gaza, but no details have been provided about which countries or the terms of acceptance. So far, only the Republic of South Sudan has expressed readiness to accept Palestinians from Gaza who voluntarily flee the conflict area, with support reportedly from the United Arab Emirates. However, the South Sudanese government officially denies formal agreements, and international discussions are ongoing. No other country has officially declared willingness to take in significant numbers of Gazan Palestinians fleeing the conflict.

In a bid to intensify efforts to implement the latest ceasefire proposal, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a meeting with the U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Friday. The U.S. has been actively involved in the negotiations, with Witkoff previously meeting with Abdelatty to discuss the matter.

The ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas included a suspension of Israeli military operations for 60 days and outlined a framework for a comprehensive deal to end the nearly two-year-old conflict. The proposal also included the return of half the hostages held in Gaza and Israel's release of some Palestinian prisoners.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that Israel would immediately resume negotiations for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an end to the war, but on terms acceptable to Israel.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Aryna Sabalenka has repeated as the U.S. Open champion by beating Amanda Anisimova. The tennis tournament provided a brief respite from the ongoing Gaza conflict.

As the negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.

Egypt denounces characterization of Palestinian relocation as voluntary as sheer nonsense