Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said it is "deeply concerned" by reports that Israel has held consultations with unnamed governments about relocating Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. In a series of statements on 17 August, the ministry called the idea part of a longstanding Israeli policy to "empty Palestinian land," and declared that Cairo "will not accept displacement nor participate in it," describing such moves as a historical injustice lacking moral or legal basis. The ministry added that its contacts with countries rumored to have agreed to receive Palestinians confirmed they have also rejected the proposal. Egypt urged all states "that love peace" not to be drawn into what it called a potential crime and warned of legal responsibilities for any party that facilitates forced transfer. The following day, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Prime Minister-designate Mohammad ‎Mostafa of the Palestinian Authority held a joint press conference at the Rafah crossing after Mostafa flew into Egypt’s Al-Arish airport. Abdelatty reiterated that Egypt "was and will remain a pillar" for the Palestinian people, pressed Israel to protect civilians and allow unimpeded aid deliveries, and said Cairo stands ready to "flood Gaza with humanitarian supplies." He accused Israel of repeatedly striking the Rafah gate from the Egyptian side, hindering relief efforts. Abdelatty also welcomed announcements by several countries of plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September and pledged that Egypt will "work on every possible track" to secure a cease-fire and a just peace. Egypt’s Prime Minister separately underlined that any displacement scheme is "categorically rejected." Together, the officials framed forced transfer as a red line that would, in their view, amount to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.