Media: US slashes military aid to Egypt talks to follow

The US has notified Egypt of a reduction in its military aid, a decision that is expected to be further discussed in upcoming negotiations.

An official from the Egyptian embassy in Washington confirmed that the exact amount of the reduction remains unclear, with further talks required to finalize the details, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The reduction is believed to be linked to Egypt's refusal to accept residents from the Gaza Strip under a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The plan aimed to transform Gaza into a “Middle Eastern Riviera” an initiative that Egypt chose not to support.

Estimates show that the US provides Egypt with $2.1 billion in annual aid, with $1.3 billion designated for military assistance and the remaining funds allocated for economic support, including aid to the Egyptian government and non-governmental organisations. A significant portion of the aid, approximately $300 million, is conditional on Egypt’s commitment to human rights practices. This stipulation has been a source of tension between the two countries in recent years, with human rights issues becoming a growing point of contention in bilateral relations. 

US President Donald Trump has recently proposed a plan to transform the Gaza Strip into a "Middle Eastern Riviera." This ambitious initiative aimed to redevelop the war-torn region into a thriving tourist destination by relocating its Palestinian residents to neighbouring countries. The proposal envisioned significant investments in luxury resorts and infrastructure to attract international tourists. However, the plan faced widespread criticism, including concerns about its feasibility, the displacement of local populations, and the lack of consultation with Palestinian communities.

By Naila Huseynova