Political tension over US President Donald Trump’s insistence on the displacement of Palestinian residents of Gaza to Egypt and Jordan is threatening to undermine the peace agreement between Cairo and Tel Aviv.
His shocking statements earlier this month have been vehemently rejected by Arab countries. The remarks have not only raised tensions with Israel, but with Washington, which helped broker the peace deal in 1979.
US media quoted Egyptian officials as saying that the treaty was under threat because of the current tensions.
The sentiment was echoed by Egyptian Foreign Relations Committee member Tarek al-Kholy who said Cairo was “serious” about reconsidering the treaty should the Americans and Israelis forge ahead with their displacement plan that threatens Egyptian and regional security.
Kholy said Egypt has repeatedly warned that the forced displacement of Palestinians threatens peace agreements and regional stability.
An Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement earlier this week rejected the displacement of Palestinians, warning against undermining “peace gains” in the region.
Egypt will present a comprehensive proposal to rebuild Gaza that ensures that the Palestinians will remain on their land.
Egyptian officials revealed that Cairo had made it clear to the Trump administration and Israel that it will resist any proposal that would allow the displacement of the Palestinians.
They warned that the peace treaty with Israel would be jeopardized should such a plan go ahead, reported The Associated Press.
Member of the Egyptian Senate Dr. Abdel Moneim Saeed stressed that the peace treaty had led to stability and development in the region.
“The current developments are however threatening the deal,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“The Americans and Europeans are aware of how valuable that treaty is for the Middle East. Without it, there will be terrorism and regional wars,” he warned.
“Egypt is reasonable and preserving the peace agreement. It does not want war,” he added.
So far, it appears that the Trump administration is not concerned about peace, continued Saeed. “Neither he, nor his administration have spoken about it since returning to the White House and that is concerning.”
Egyptian former MP Dr. Amr al-Shobaki said the peace agreement is facing its greatest challenge since its signing in 1979.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump - the businessman - will likely agree to Egypt’s proposal to rebuild Gaza without the displacement of its people.
He may agree to a middle ground that protects Egyptian, Palestinian and Arab rights without threatening regional security, peace and stability, he remarked.
