Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, announced an Arab plan to rehabilitate Gaza without displacing residents, opposing Trump’s relocation proposal. Jordan currently houses a substantial Palestinian population and is working with other Arab nations on this initiative. King Abdullah II proposed accepting a limited number of Gazan children while planning further discussions. The Arab League rejected resettlement plans, emphasizing concerns for regional stability.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, announced efforts by Arab nations to rehabilitate Gaza without displacing its residents. This approach contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazans to other countries. Safadi emphasized that Jordan cannot accept more Palestinians, as they already constitute 35% of its population. Notably, estimates show that 70% to 80% of Jordanians identify as Palestinian.
At the Munich Security Conference, Safadi stated, “They don’t want to come to Jordan and we don’t want them to come to Jordan.” He highlighted an Arab initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza while ensuring the security and governance of its inhabitants. He urged for long-term thinking, asserting that Israel’s peace and security depend on the stability of its neighbors.
During a recent visit to Washington, King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed willingness to accept about 2,000 gravely ill Gazan children and their families, totaling around 10,000 to 12,000 people. He did not support Trump’s resettlement plan but indicated plans for an Arab summit in Saudi Arabia to discuss an Egyptian alternative.
The upcoming summit in Riyadh, scheduled for February 20, will involve Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, advancing discussions ahead of an Arab League meeting in Cairo. A source indicated that Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas would also participate. Safadi cautioned that neglecting Judea and Samaria could lead to escalated hostilities, labelling the area as a potential “powder keg” for conflict.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Arab League’s secretary-general, rejected Trump’s resettlement plan. He claimed it risks eventually displacing Arabs from Judea and Samaria. Aboul Gheit stated, “The focus today is on Gaza and tomorrow it will shift to the West Bank with the objective of emptying Palestine of its historical inhabitants.” He reinforced that the Arab world has resisted such displacement for 100 years, maintaining its firm stance.
Jordan’s leadership adamantly resists U.S. proposals for relocating Gazans, emphasizing local rehabilitation efforts instead. Arab nations, including Jordan, are collaborating on a plan that prioritizes Gaza’s reconstruction without displacement, which contrasts with Trump’s approach. The region’s stability is paramount, as reflected in the ongoing dialogues among Arab leaders and the concerns raised about potential unrest in Judea and Samaria.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
