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A protest, where participants chanted slogans against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in objection to Cairo’s stance on the Gaza war, has sparked widespread debate in Egypt—particularly among pro-government media figures.
The protest was held near the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.
Protesters gathered in Al-Hamidiyah Market chanted slogans condemning the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian media launched a campaign condemning these allegations, accusing Egypt of participating in the genocide by closing the Rafah crossing.
Ahmed Moussa, a prominent state-aligned Egyptian media figure, commented on the protest during his program “Ala Masouliyati” on Sada El Balad TV.
He described it as a “senseless scene” directed against Egypt rather than against the Israeli occupation.
“Whoever insults my country is my enemy,” questioning the spontaneity of the protest and claiming that the participants belong to “terrorist groups,” he added.
Moussa argued that the Egyptian government should take action regarding Syrian refugees in Egypt.
He pointed out that the U.S. has given Syrian refugees 60 days to return home and questioned whether Syria has now become stable and safe, suggesting that Egypt should follow suit and “act” on this issue, implying that Syrian refugees in Egypt should be encouraged—or even forced—to return to Syria.
“We reject any undermining of the Egyptian state, and those who overstep must be held accountable,” he added.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, in his speech at the United Nations, thanked countries that have supported Syria, specifically highlighting Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States and the European Union.
He only referred to "other Arab and Islamic countries," without mentioning Egypt, an omission that has raised questions about Cairo's role in the Syrian crisis.
“Don’t the Egyptian people themselves deserve a word of thanks for their generosity in hosting and embracing millions of Syrians, despite the difficult conditions at home?” several commented on social media.
The hashtag “deportation of refugees—a popular demand” topped Egypt’s trending list on X.
Accounts known for their loyalty to the authorities launched a signature campaign calling for the expulsion of refugees, branding them a “direct threat to Egyptian national security.”
The statement circulated on X, warning that the presence of refugees carries serious implications for the social fabric, national resources, and public security—issues that cannot be ignored or overlooked.
“We call on the government to halt any support or facilities provided to them within the country, immediately begin organizing their return to their countries of origin, and amend policies that allowed this uncontrolled presence,” read the statement.
A popular campaign has also emerged in Egypt calling for a boycott of Syrian-owned shops.
As of March 31, 2025, UNHCR data shows nearly 140,000 registered Syrian refugees in Egypt.
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