Why Arab Countries Don’t Want to Take in Palestinian Refugees from Gaza

Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Why Egypt and other Arab countries are unwilling to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza” which was published in the Indian Express.  Egypt and Jordan share borders with Gaza and the occupied West Bank, respectively have refused to take in Palestinian refugees. 

What are the reasons for declining Palestinian refugees?

Jordan

• Huge Palestinians: It already has a large Palestinian population. 
• King’s Order: Jordan’s King gave a message of “No refugees in Jordan”.

Egypt

• An attempt to nullify Palestine demand: The current war is seen as an attempt to push the civilian inhabitants to migrate to Egypt and nullify Palestinian demands for statehood. 
• To maintain Peace Treaty with Israel:  A mass exodus would risk bringing Hamas into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, from where they might launch attacks on Israel, endangering the two countries’ 40-year-old 1979 peace treaty.
• Earlier Experience: After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Israel has rejected Palestinian demands for a return of refugees. 
• Economic Crisis: According to the United Nations, Egypt is dealing with a spiraling economic crisis, and already hosts some 9 million refugees and migrants.
• Negev as an Alternative: As fighting could last for years, Egypt proposed that Israel house Palestinians in its Negev Desert, which neighbors the Gaza Strip, until it ends its military operations.

Also read: Refugees as assets to their new countries

Conclusion:

Jordan says no to more Palestinian refugees because it already has many, and Egypt is worried about security and economic issues. Egypt suggests that Israel could host Palestinians in the Negev Desert as a temporary solution during the conflict.

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