Jordan recently welcomed its first convoy of injured children from Gaza amidst fears of a U.S. plan by President Trump to displace millions of Palestinians. The humanitarian operation, directed by King Abdullah II, represents Jordan’s ongoing commitment to aid Gaza and to mitigate the potential for mass displacement into Jordan. As concerns mount regarding the West Bank, Jordan emphasizes the need for diplomatic engagement to protect its national interests and regional stability.
Amman recently welcomed its first convoy of sick children from Gaza, including 10-year-old Bilal, who is receiving treatment for severe injuries. Bilal’s father expressed hope for his son’s surgery after months of blindness due to shrapnel wounds. This act of humanitarian aid emerges amid concerns over a potential plan by President Donald Trump to displace millions of Palestinians into neighboring countries, particularly Jordan.
On March 3, a medical convoy carrying Bilal and 30 other injured children, along with their guardians, arrived in Jordan, facilitated by the World Health Organization. This initiative coincided with a meeting of Arab leaders in Egypt to devise an alternative to Trump’s controversial proposal to transform Gaza into a tourist destination by displacing its residents.
According to UNICEF, 25,000 children in Gaza have sustained injuries during the prolonged conflict, exacerbated by the destruction of 80% of the region’s health infrastructure. Jordan has actively participated in humanitarian efforts since the war commenced on October 7, 2023, and this latest operation reflects its commitment to protecting Gaza residents from displacement.
Hassan Al Momani, an expert from the University of Jordan, noted that Jordan’s humanitarian initiatives have helped ease American tensions and avoid increased pressure from the U.S. authorities. The medical convoy, following the directive of King Abdullah II, aligns with Jordan’s readiness to assist, as expressed in his February 11 meeting with Trump, wherein the King offered to treat 2,000 children.
In a parallel effort, King Abdullah II, alongside other leaders, supported an Egyptian proposal aimed at rebuilding Gaza for a projected cost of $53 billion by 2030 and establishing a transitional government. The first evacuations were carried out shortly after this partnership.
While Jordan’s concerns about the potential mass influx of Palestinians are serious, especially given that a substantial portion of its own population is of Palestinian descent, Jordan aims to prevent significant internal unrest. Experts assert the importance of diplomatic strategies that avoid public confrontation with the Trump administration while conveying the risks associated with such mass transfers.
Marwan Muasher, a former Jordanian foreign minister, emphasized the need for Jordan to explain the dangers associated with forced resettlements. Several analysts believe the likelihood of Trump implementing mass displacements is low but suggest that Jordan strengthen alliances with other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, to bolster its position.
Possible actions by the Trump administration regarding the West Bank are a growing concern for Jordan, especially amidst intensified military activity that has led to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. Analysts warn that any mass displacement from Gaza could set a troubling precedent for the West Bank, a situation that Jordan aims to avoid at all costs.
In conclusion, Jordan’s recent humanitarian efforts exemplify its commitment to aiding Gaza residents and preventing large-scale displacements amid looming threats from U.S. policy. With a focus on diplomacy, Jordan seeks to navigate the complexities of international relations while gearing up to protect its demographic balance and sovereignty. The geopolitical landscape suggests that Jordan’s strategy must include strengthening alliances with influential regional players to effectively address the challenges they face regarding the Palestinian population.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
