US President Trump’s remarks about relocating Palestinians stir significant concerns for Egypt and Jordan regarding potential aid cuts. Both countries have historically depended on substantial US financial support, which could be threatened if they resist Trump’s plans. This situation may drive them to seek assistance elsewhere, potentially reshaping regional alliances and increasing instability in a pivotal area.
Egypt and Jordan may face a dilemma due to US aid cuts linked to President Trump’s proposal to relocate displaced Palestinians into their territories. As a result, the two nations are considering alternative sources of aid. Analysts suggest that this situation may lead to a significant shift in regional alliances, as both countries historically rely on US financial support for stability.
During a recent meeting, Trump made controversial remarks about the potential displacement of Palestinians and warned that aid could be used to pressure Egypt and Jordan into compliance. Despite this, Jordan’s King Abdullah II responded by indicating his willingness to accept 2,000 sick children from Gaza, expressing optimism about reaching stability under Trump’s leadership.
However, both Egypt and Jordan firmly oppose Trump’s assertions about displacement and plan to convene an emergency Arab Summit to develop a unified response against his proposal. Since 1946, Egypt has received substantial US aid, with military support intensified after its peace treaty with Israel in 1979, significantly impacting its military and economic stability.
Similarly, Jordan has benefited from US aid following the 1994 Wadi Araba Treaty with Israel, which facilitated diplomatic and economic ties. Currently, Jordan is reeling from a slashed $770 million aid budget from USAID, affecting essential services and reinforcing its economic reliance on US assistance, stabilizing both Israel and the region against potential threats.
The potential displacement of more Palestinians raises fears of instability in Egypt and existential concerns in Jordan, where a significant portion of the population is already of Palestinian descent. To mitigate these risks, both countries might seek financial assistance from Gulf allies or turn to nations like Russia or China, whose influence has been growing in the region.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states may consider underwriting aid gaps, aligning with their interests in maintaining stability. Despite possible support from these nations, analysts caution that existing funding shortages might necessitate unappealing austerity measures in both Egypt and Jordan, potentially sparking civil unrest or impacting security structures that rely heavily on US aid.
The ongoing tensions surrounding US aid cuts linked to President Trump’s plans for Palestinian displacement could pressure Egypt and Jordan to seek alternative funding sources, thereby altering their regional alliances. The potential demographic changes posed by this situation raise significant concerns for both countries. Moreover, the reliance on US assistance underscores the intricate ties these nations have with American policies in the Middle East, framing their responses to emerging geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
