Criticism Of Israeli Intelligence Documents On Relocation Of Gazans To Sinai, Egyptian Foreign Minister: Badminton

Illustration. (Piaxabay/TayebMEZAHDIA)

JAKARTA - Egypt's Foreign Minister on Thursday told CNN a leaked document by the Israeli Intelligence Ministry proposing the relocation of millions of Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt was a "cheating proposition".

"I don't think we will, anyone will not, submit such a ridiculous proposal," Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said.

"If that's the case, perhaps the United States will also consider providing equal access to its southern border as expected for us at Sinai," Foreign Minister Shoukry continued.

The document, which earlier this week was underestimated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, proposed relocating Gaza's civilian population to northern Sinai, arguing the plan would be the best for Israel's long-term security.

Temporary cities will be built in areas included in the plan, with more permanent cities to be built in the future.

The plan also calls for humanitarian corridors to help re-immunicated residents create security limits to prevent them from entering Israel.

However, Foreign Minister Shoukry said she had not communicated with Israel about the plan.

"These sovereign countries and countries are clearly determined based on their borders, based on the population. And the issue of evacuation itself is a matter that is contrary and violates international humanitarian law," explained Shoukry.

"So in my opinion, no one will carry out illegal activities," he said.

Separately, PM Netanyahu's Office underestimated the document in a statement and wrote, "This is a preliminary paper, just like dozens of similar papers prepared by all political echelons and security."

"The day after that is a topic not yet discussed by Israel's official channel, which is now focusing on dismantling the capabilities of the Hamas administration and military," the statement read.