President Trump’s proposal for Egypt and Jordan to accept more Palestinian refugees amid the Gaza crisis was met with resistance from both countries. Jordan and Egypt fear economic destabilization and conflict escalation from such resettlement. Key U.S. allies echoed doubts about the feasibility of the plan, emphasizing a need for continued dialogue with regional leaders.
President Donald Trump proposed that Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan, should accept more Palestinian refugees amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he expressed his desire for these countries to ease the burden of the displaced 1.5 million people, indicating a need to “clean out” Gaza due to the destruction from conflict.
During conversations with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Trump emphasized the necessity of their cooperation in resettling the refugees. However, both nations have historically resisted such proposals, fearing economic destabilization and the potential for conflict escalation arising from influxes of refugees.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi firmly rejected Trump’s ideas, underscoring the nation’s already substantial Palestinian refugee population of over 2 million. Egypt echoed these sentiments, voicing concerns that shifting large groups of displaced individuals could exacerbate regional tensions and disrupt ongoing peace efforts.
Despite leveraging significant U.S. aid as a strategic ally, Jordan remains skeptical of Trump’s resettlement proposal. The lack of feasibility regarding mass Palestinian relocation was also noted by Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, who questioned the practicality of the plan and suggested further dialogue with Middle Eastern leaders.
Trump’s stance aligns with his strong support for Israel; he also announced plans for new military aid to Israel, countering previous restrictions set by the Biden administration concerning civilian safety in Gaza. Both Egypt and Jordan maintain peace agreements with Israel but advocate for a Palestinian state, viewing mass displacement as a threat to future statehood.
The proposal by President Trump comes amid a volatile situation following increased violence stemming from attacks by Hamas on Israel. The resulting humanitarian crisis has seen a significant displacement of the Palestinian population in Gaza, prompting international discussions on resettlement options. Egypt and Jordan hold critical positions in this dynamic, as they have already absorbed substantial numbers of Palestinian refugees and are wary of further destabilization. Their long-standing support for a two-state solution underlines their reluctance to endorse solutions that may permanently displace Palestinians from their lands.
In summary, Trump’s call for Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees has been met with firm opposition from both countries, reflecting their concerns over national stability and the implications of a potential influx of displaced populations. Key political figures in the U.S. also question the viability of such proposals, indicating a disconnect between Trump’s ambitions and the realities on the ground in the Middle East.
Original Source: apnews.com
