The Complex Dilemma of Palestinian Refugees: Egypt's Hesitation and Israel's Expulsion Plans

Egypt and Jordan have refused to take in Palestinian refugees fleeing the violence in Gaza, fearing that Israel wants to permanently expel Palestinians into their countries and nullify Palestinian demands for statehood. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned that a mass exodus could bring militants into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, endangering the peace treaty between the two countries. Both Egypt and Jordan have a history of displacement of Palestinians and are concerned about the lack of clarity regarding Israel's intentions in Gaza. Arab countries and Palestinians suspect that Israel might use this opportunity to force permanent demographic changes and eliminate the Palestinian cause. Egypt also fears that a mass exodus from Gaza would bring Hamas or other militants onto its soil, potentially destabilizing the region.