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In a recent development, two prominent Muslim nations, Egypt and Qatar, have voiced strong disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks concerning the potential displacement of Palestinians, including through the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Qatar issued a statement denouncing Netanyahu’s words as further evidence of Israel’s disregard for Palestinian rights and international law.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) released a statement on Friday, characterizing the comments as a continuation of Israel’s actions violating Palestinian rights, ignoring international laws, and hindering peace efforts, particularly those aimed at a two-state solution.
During an interview with the Israeli Telegram channel Abu Ali Express, Netanyahu discussed potential plans for rebuilding Gaza. He also asserted that a significant portion of the population wishes to leave Gaza, though he denied this constituted mass expulsion. Netanyahu indicated that opening the Rafah crossing was possible but would likely be closed immediately by Egypt.
Qatar’s MoFA suggested that Netanyahu’s words reflected Israel’s broader intentions to seize Palestinian land, warning of potential harm to regional peace and stability. The statement also reiterated Qatar’s stance that Israel’s policy of collective punishment against Palestinians, especially its military actions in Gaza, constitutes a continuation of ongoing crimes.
The statement concluded that the policy of collective punishment, including the current war in Gaza, actions in the West Bank, violations of religious sites, settlement expansion plans, and restrictions on humanitarian aid, would not succeed in forcing Palestinians to leave their land or in confiscating their legitimate rights.
Egypt also strongly opposed the statements, declaring its categorical opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians. The Egyptian ministry stated that such actions would violate international humanitarian law and could be considered war crimes, emphasizing that Egypt would not participate in such actions and deemed the matter a ‘red line’.
