Experts warn that President Trump’s threats to withdraw aid from Egypt and Jordan if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees could result in new regional alliances. Arab nations have emphatically rejected such proposals, viewing them as violations of international law. Amidst ongoing negotiations for Gaza’s future, both Jordan and Egypt assert their commitment to Palestinian rights, with potential financial support from Gulf states playing a critical role in their responses.
Experts are raising concerns over President Trump’s recent threats to withdraw aid from Egypt and Jordan unless they accept Palestinian refugees. These threats could generate new alliances, as Arab states have strongly rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which many see as a violation of international law and comparable to ethnic cleansing. Brian Katulis from the Middle East Institute emphasized that the forced displacement is unlikely, noting that Palestinians consider Gaza their home despite the devastation they have faced.
The risks associated with Trump’s approach are significant, particularly as the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations hang in the balance. Daniel Drezner, a professor at Tufts University, highlighted that Trump’s strategy seems designed to pressure Egypt and Jordan to absorb Palestinian refugees, potentially leading to increased cooperation with other Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, to counteract U.S. influence.
Jordan and Egypt quickly condemned Trump’s proposal. Saudi Arabia reiterated its unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, countering Trump’s suggestion to displace Palestinians. Drezner pointed out that the repercussions of accepting such a proposal could destabilize Jordan’s regime and worsen existing economic difficulties in both Jordan and Egypt, particularly since both countries already face substantial refugee inflows from conflicts in Iraq and Syria.
Egypt’s response included a reaffirmation of support for the Palestinian people’s rights and called for a two-state solution. Following Trump’s comments, Egyptian President El Sisi opted to delay his visit to the White House, explicitly stating he would not engage if displacement discussions were on the agenda. Both nations are now exploring ways to consolidate their positions against U.S. pressure while reasserting their commitments to established regional agreements, like the Israel-Egypt peace treaty.
The implications of Trump’s threats extend beyond immediate negotiations, as they could alter the dynamics of military support. Both Egypt and Jordan depend heavily on U.S. military aid, making any pivot towards alternative alliances with countries like China or Russia complex. Drezner suggests that such a transition would weaken their military capabilities initially, as new equipment would be incompatible with current systems. As these nations assess the situation, the longer-term ramifications for U.S. influence in the region could be significant, forcing a reevaluation of existing partnerships.
In summary, Trump’s threats to withdraw aid if Egypt and Jordan do not accept Palestinian refugees have been met with widespread condemnation from Arab nations. Experts argue that such a strategy could undermine U.S. relationships in the region and provoke new alliances against American pressure. Both Egypt and Jordan are likely to seek support from Gulf states to counterbalance their reliance on U.S. aid, all while striving to uphold their commitments to Palestinian rights and statehood.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
