Jordanians have rejected Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and develop the territory into a luxury destination. Political leaders consider the move a direct threat to Jordan and the Palestinian cause, emphasizing strong national resistance and readiness to potentially sever ties with the US. Jordan’s response includes military preparations to respond to any forced relocations, with wider Arab support against such actions.
Jordanians have firmly rejected Donald Trump’s proposal for relocating Palestinians from Gaza, which he claimed would involve the “takeover” of the area to create a luxury tourist destination. During a recent announcement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated his intention to facilitate a development project that would create jobs, suggesting an infrastructure change that would displace current inhabitants. He expressed belief that Jordan and Egypt would allow the necessary land for this project.
Concerns regarding the feasibility of relocating over two million Palestinians emerged, alongside uncertainties about the project’s legality under international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions against forced displacement. In response, Jordan’s former deputy prime minister characterized Trump’s comments as a “declaration of war on the Arab people,” prompting calls for political and military preparedness from the Jordanian populace. This includes potential responses such as suspending the 1994 peace treaty with Israel.
Sources within Jordan indicate that the nation stands ready to take military action if Palestinians are forcibly removed to its territory. Despite the significant US financial aid that Jordan receives—accounting for about 10% of its annual budget—officials implied they would rather forgo these funds than accept a deal involving Palestinian relocation.
Senator Omar al-Ayasrah denounced the concept of relocating Palestinians, asserting, “Jordan is not a banana republic for Trump to impose the acceptance of millions of refugees on us.” He insisted that the relocation narrative brings into question whether the US can actually force this change, reflecting the resilience of the Palestinian people.
In a coordinated response, Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab nations, emphasized that any attempts to displace Palestinians or alter their rights would only exacerbate regional tensions and hinder peace. This aligns with a broader Arab consensus to reject all forms of resettlement which jeopardize stability in the region. Jordan’s King Abdullah is set to meet with Trump to reiterate these positions and reject any proposals for forced migration from Gaza.
The declaration by Trump has sparked intense backlash from Jordan and surrounding Arab countries. The historical and socio-political context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict adds depth to the issue, with past agreements like the Wadi Araba Treaty illustrating Jordan’s delicate balance of relations with Israel and dependence on US support. The fear of changing demographics in Jordan due to Palestinian resettlement echoes a broader concern over national identity for many Jordanians, especially given historical tensions in the region.
The Jordanian response to Trump’s Gaza resettlement plan highlights profound anxieties about national identity and international legality surrounding forced relocation. Strong opposition from Jordanian political figures indicates a collective resolve to resist such measures, emphasizing their historical commitment to Palestinian rights. With regional alliances at play, the situation underscores the fragility of peace prospects in the Middle East amidst external political pressures.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net