President Trump has threatened to cut US aid to Jordan and Egypt unless they accept Palestinians from Gaza. Both nations, wary of the implications on their national security and populations, have strongly rejected Trump’s proposition. The potential for increased radicalism and chaos in the region poses a significant concern for both leaders, against a backdrop of fragile peace in Gaza.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Jordan and Egypt, threatening to cut aid if they do not accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza. His proposition aims at facilitating a US-led redevelopment of Gaza into a prosperous region dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Despite significant US financial support, both nations have so far rejected the idea of accepting these refugees.
During a recent address in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump stated, “If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid.” This threat precedes a potentially contentious meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, who has expressed strong opposition to displacing Palestinians, arguing it would increase regional instability and chaos. About half of Jordan’s population has ties to Palestinian ancestry, stemming from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, complicating the national identity issue.
Historically, Jordan and Egypt have resisted accepting refugees, perceiving the situation as a tactic by Israel to remove Palestinians. King Abdullah affirmed this stance recently by stating, “No refugees in Jordan, no refugees in Egypt.” He echoed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s sentiments, which indicated that the Gaza conflict aims to push civilians towards displacement into Egypt.
Moreover, the forced displacement of populations under military occupation constitutes a war crime as prohibited by the Geneva Conventions. Nevertheless, Trump remains hopeful that Jordan and Egypt will relent, suggesting during a press conference, “I do think he’ll [King Abdullah] take [refugees]. They have good hearts.” With more than $1 billion in annual support, Jordan relies heavily on US aid.
As of 2023, United States aid amounted to $1.6 billion for Jordan and $1.5 billion for Egypt. In response to Trump’s proposal, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi firmly stated that the country’s position against relocating Palestinians is unwavering. In light of Trump’s comments, he suggested that displaced Gazans would not have the “right to return” after redevelopment, implying they would be better housed elsewhere.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the redevelopment plan, labeling it as “revolutionary.” However, amidst the conflict, many displaced Gazans have returned to their homes following Israeli troop withdrawals. The fragile ceasefire in Gaza may be in jeopardy as Hamas threatened to halt the release of hostages, asserting that Israel violated terms of their agreement, prompting Trump to demand action.
In anticipation of his arrival in Washington, King Abdullah is scheduled to engage with significant figures in the US government, marking his position as the third foreign leader to meet with President Trump since his presidential tenure began.
Overall, the current political dynamics suggest tensions will likely continue between the US, Jordan, Egypt, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
President Trump has put forward a controversial demand to Jordan and Egypt regarding the acceptance of Gazan refugees, threatening aid cuts if they do not comply. Both nations have rejected this proposition, citing national security concerns and the complex identity issues regarding their populations. Amidst rising tensions and a precarious ceasefire situation in Gaza, the peace prospects in the region remain uncertain.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
