Why Won't Gaza's Neighbors Allow Palestinian Refugees?

In Gaza, where desperate Palestinians are seeking refuge from Israel’s ongoing bombardment in retaliation for a recent terrorist attack by Hamas. Some are questioning why neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan, which share borders with Gaza and the West Bank, have not taken in these refugees. However, both Egypt and Jordan have firmly refused to do so.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi stated that the current conflict is not only aimed at combating Hamas but also an attempt to push civilians to migrate to Egypt, which he believes could jeopardize regional peace. Similarly, Jordan’s King Abdullah II expressed a similar stance, emphasizing that there would be no acceptance of refugees in Jordan or Egypt.

This refusal is rooted in the fear that accepting Palestinian refugees might be a ploy by Israel to permanently expel them and nullify their demands for statehood. El-Sissi also expressed concern that a mass exodus could potentially bring militants into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, posing a threat to the 40-year-old peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

The article highlights the historical context of Palestinian displacement, including events like the 1948 war (referred to as the Nakba) and the 1967 Mideast war. These conflicts led to large numbers of Palestinians becoming refugees, with their descendants now numbering nearly 6 million. Many live in camps and communities in various Middle Eastern countries, including the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

Egypt’s apprehension stems from uncertainty about how the current war will conclude. While Israel has expressed its intention to dismantle Hamas, there is no clear plan for the aftermath or governance of Gaza. This ambiguity has raised concerns that Israel might reoccupy the territory, potentially leading to further conflict.

Egypt also worries about the potential long-term presence of a Palestinian refugee population from Gaza, which could lead to permanent demographic changes and impact Palestinian statehood aspirations. Additionally, there are concerns about the possibility of Hamas or other Palestinian militants entering Egyptian territory, potentially destabilizing the Sinai region.

Overall, Egypt and Jordan’s positions are influenced by historical displacement, concerns about the outcome of the current conflict, and the potential implications for regional stability and peace agreements.

RELATED