But a mass exodus from Gaza into Egypt is a worse-case scenario both for Palestinians and the government in Cairo. Many Palestinians fear that if they were forced into Egypt, Israel may never allow them to return to Gaza. As for Egypt, it has little capacity nor political will to absorb large numbers of Palestinian refugees, which risk destabilising the country and could have wide-reaching consequences for Egypt’s European partners. But there are serious doubts on Egypt’s ability to absorb Palestinian refugees even if it chose – or was forced – to do so. The commission has said it is against any forcible transfer of Palestinians into Egypt.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 14, 2023 13:46 UTC