Following remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians, including the possibility of using the Rafah crossing into Egypt, strong condemnation has come from Egypt and Qatar. Both countries have expressed their disapproval of Netanyahu’s statements about Gaza.
Qatar has strongly condemned Netanyahu’s words, considering them further proof of Israel’s disregard for Palestinian rights and international law. In a Friday statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said that the comments reflect the occupation’s continued violations of Palestinian rights, its contempt for international laws and agreements, and its efforts to obstruct peace, particularly efforts supporting the two-state solution.
Netanyahu, in an interview with the Israeli Telegram channel Abu Ali Express, discussed plans for the future of Gaza. He claimed that a significant number of people want to leave Gaza, though he denied this was a mass expulsion. He also mentioned that he could open the Rafah crossing, but that Egypt would likely close it.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Netanyahu’s words show Israel’s intention to take land from Palestinians, which could damage peace and stability in the region. Qatar reiterated its stance that the policy of collective punishment used by Israel against Palestinians, including the military actions in Gaza, continues a pattern of Israeli crimes.
The statement from Qatar further said that the policy of collective punishment against Palestinians, including the ongoing war in Gaza, actions in the West Bank, violations of religious sites, plans to expand settlements and restrict humanitarian aid, will not succeed in forcing Palestinians to leave or in taking their legitimate rights.
Egypt has also strongly rejected the displacement proposals, stating its ‘categorical opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.’ The Egyptian ministry added that such actions would break international humanitarian law and could be seen as war crimes. Egypt also stated it would not participate in these actions and considered the issue a ‘red line’.