Abdelrahman
On Monday, former President Donald Trump announced that he might consider reducing financial support to Jordan and Egypt if they do not agree to his request to permanently resettle a significant number of Palestinians from Gaza. This statement intensifies the pressure on these crucial regional allies to support his controversial plan to relocate the population of Gaza in order to facilitate its redevelopment.
During a briefing in the Oval Office, just one day before his scheduled meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Trump stated, “If they don’t agree, I could potentially withhold aid.”
Both Jordan and Egypt have firmly rejected any proposals suggesting that they accommodate Palestinians within their borders.
Trump reiterated his stance on the forced migration of approximately two million Palestinians, a move that has drawn criticism from experts who label it as a potential violation of international law akin to ethnic cleansing. In an interview aired on Fox News the same day, he emphasized that he does not foresee any Palestinians who are relocated from Gaza ever returning.
When asked whether the displaced Palestinians would eventually possess the right to return to Gaza after his development initiatives are completed, Trump responded unequivocally, “No, they wouldn’t.”
Regarding possible future destinations for the displaced individuals, he expressed optimism, saying, “I think I could strike a deal with Jordan. I’m confident I could negotiate with Egypt.”
Trump Threatens Aid Cuts to Jordan and Egypt Over Palestinian Relocation Proposal
In a bold move, President Trump suggested on Monday that he could cut financial aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept a substantial number of Palestinians from Gaza. During a press conference in the Oval Office, he indicated that both countries must permanently host most of the population as part of his controversial redevelopment plan for the region.
Despite Trumps’s insistence, both Jordan and Egypt have firmly rejected the idea of relocating Palestinians. The proposition, which could displace approximately two million individuals, has drawn criticism from scholars who warn it could equate to war crimes and ethnic cleansing. In a subsequent Fox News interview, Trump made it clear that he does not foresee any future return for those Palestinians who would leave Gaza, stating bluntly, “No, they wouldn’t have the right to return.”
As pressure mounts on key Middle Eastern allies, it remains to be seen how they will respond to Trump’s audacious demands.
