Egypt currently finds itself facing a dilemma regarding the reception of Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip. While the government of Abdel Fattah al-Sissi officially claims that its border is open, in practice no crossings are authorized to North Sinai. This situation raises debates within the Egyptian population, between those who support welcoming refugees and those who express reservations.
Despite the ban on street protests in Egypt, there are rallies supporting Palestine, which are held in private places, such as residences. During these meetings, slogans of solidarity with Gaza are sounded, expressing support for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip and denouncing the suffering they endure.
One of the participants in these rallies, Maouly, expresses her anger at the reaction of the West, which she considers to be complicit with the Israeli state. She also criticizes the Arab countries recently brought closer to Israel for their normalization of relations, rejecting these attempts at rapprochement. It highlights the feeling of solidarity with the Palestinians among Egyptians, who want Egypt to play a humanitarian role by providing medical and food aid, but without opening its borders.
In popular neighborhoods of Cairo, like Sayeda Zeinab, some traders, like Gamal, express their indignation at the situation in Gaza, calling them crimes. Gamal, however, says he does not believe in a mass exodus of Gazans to Egypt, declaring that Palestinians will stay in their land and resist whatever happens.
On the other hand, the younger Egyptian generation seems more inclined to welcome Palestinian refugees. According to Youssef, there is no obstacle to their arrival in Egypt, emphasizing the brotherhood between the two peoples. He believes Egypt could provide a humanitarian corridor for medical and food aid, while remaining in solidarity with the Palestinians.
The Egyptian government has organized humanitarian aid ready to be transported to Gaza, but for now it is stored in the town of Al-Arish, near the border with the Gaza Strip.
This delicate situation for Egypt reveals the differences within the population regarding the reception of Palestinian refugees from Gaza. While some express unconditional solidarity with the Palestinians and desire a more open welcome, others have reservations about opening borders and prefer to focus on providing humanitarian aid.