(CNN) — A leaked Israeli Intelligence Ministry document proposing to transfer millions of Palestinians to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is a “ridiculous proposal,” Egypt’s foreign minister told CNN Thursday.
The document, whose significance was downplayed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office earlier this week, proposes moving Gaza’s civilian population to North Sinai, arguing that such a plan would be best for Israel’s long-term security.
As part of the plan, tent cities will be built in the area, with more permanent cities to be built later, and it also calls for a humanitarian corridor to help resettled residents and the establishment of a security perimeter to prevent them from entering Israel.
In an interview with CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he had not spoken to Israel about the plan.
“I don’t think we (will talk to Israel), which party would raise such a ridiculous proposal,” Shukry said. “If that were the case, perhaps the United States would also consider providing the same access to its southern border that we might be expected to provide in Sinai.” .
The Egyptian Foreign Minister added: “Countries are sovereign and are well defined by their borders, by their populations. The issue of displacement in itself is an issue that conflicts with international humanitarian law. So I believe that no one will carry out illegal activity.” The Prime Minister’s Office reduced The Israeli newspaper stressed the importance of the document in a statement, writing: “This is a preliminary paper, like dozens of such papers prepared by all political and security levels,” according to the statement.
The statement added: “The following day, it is an issue that has not yet been discussed through official Israeli channels, which are focusing today on eliminating Hamas’s governmental and military capabilities.”
2023-11-02 19:09:02
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