Trump Wants Egypt and Jordan to Take in Palestinians from Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump’s suggestion that Egypt and Jordan take in Gaza’s displaced Palestinians has been met with firm rejection from both countries and the Palestinians. Critics argue that the plan risks permanent displacement for Gazans and undermines prospects for a Palestinian state. Trump’s idea faces geopolitical resistance, with leaders in the region highlighting security, sovereignty, and historical concerns.
Key Points on Trump’s Gaza Refugee Proposal: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Proposal: Suggests relocating Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to Egypt or Jordan temporarily or permanently.
- Rejection: Egypt and Jordan, along with Palestinian leaders, categorically reject the idea, citing security risks and political implications.
- Historical Context: Palestinians fear another Nakba, referencing the mass displacement during Israel’s creation in 1948.
- Geopolitical Impact: Egypt and Jordan argue the plan would destabilize their nations and erase hopes for a two-state solution.
- US Leverage: Trump could apply pressure via economic tools, but doing so risks alienating regional allies.
Side Headlines:
- “Trump Faces Arab Resistance Over Gaza Refugee Relocation Plan”
- “Palestinians Fear Permanent Displacement Under Trump’s Gaza Proposal”
- “Egypt and Jordan Cite Security Concerns in Rejecting Trump Refugee Idea”
- “What Trump’s Gaza Plan Means for Middle East Stability”
Trump Wants Egypt and Jordan to Take in Palestinians from Gaza
Deep Look
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle Gaza’s displaced population in Egypt or Jordan has drawn swift rejection from key Arab nations and the Palestinian leadership.
The plan, floated on Saturday, suggested relocating Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to “build housing in a different location” and “clean out that whole thing,” according to Trump.
The idea is fraught with historical, geopolitical, and humanitarian implications, with critics warning that it could spark regional instability and permanently derail peace efforts.
Why Egypt and Jordan Say No
Both Egypt and Jordan view Trump’s proposal as a red line.
- Egyptian Concerns: President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned that resettling Gaza’s population in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula could bring militant groups, like Hamas, into Egyptian territory, endangering national security. “The peace we have achieved could vanish,” el-Sissi said, emphasizing that Gaza’s displacement undermines the Palestinian cause.
- Jordanian Opposition: Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi rejected the idea, citing fears that the move would destabilize the region and erase hopes for a two-state solution. Jordan already hosts over 2 million Palestinian refugees and sees further resettlement as politically untenable.
Palestinian Fears of a New Nakba
Palestinians view Trump’s suggestion as a threat to their right of return.
- Historical Parallels: The 1948 Nakba, which saw 700,000 Palestinians displaced during Israel’s creation, remains a painful memory. Many worry that moving Gaza’s population would create a new wave of permanent displacement.
- Cultural Resistance: Palestinians view steadfastly remaining on their land as a cultural imperative. Efforts to relocate them, even temporarily, are met with widespread opposition.
In Gaza on Sunday, thousands of displaced residents attempted to return to heavily damaged neighborhoods, illustrating their determination to stay.
A Risk to Regional Stability
Trump’s proposal has sparked fears of a ripple effect across the Middle East.
- Historical Lessons: In the 1970s, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) used southern Lebanon as a launchpad for attacks on Israel, contributing to Lebanon’s civil war. Egypt and Jordan worry that similar instability could follow the transfer of Gaza’s population.
- Militant Concerns: Hamas and other groups are deeply embedded in Gaza’s population. Moving them could shift the conflict to Egypt’s Sinai or Jordan’s borders.
The Role of US Pressure
Trump’s ability to force Egypt and Jordan to comply hinges on how far he is willing to go.
- Economic Leverage: Both countries rely heavily on U.S. aid—Egypt receives billions annually, while Jordan is a major recipient of American support. Trump could threaten sanctions or tariffs to push his plan.
- Potential Fallout: Applying pressure could strain relationships with key allies, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and jeopardize Trump’s goal of brokering a Saudi-Israeli peace deal.
Israel’s Perspective
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not commented publicly, members of his far-right coalition have praised the idea. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called Trump’s plan “a great idea” that aligns with his long-held vision of expanding Jewish settlements in Gaza.
Critics, however, argue that such a move would solidify claims of ethnic cleansing against Israel.
What’s Next?
Trump’s proposal has reignited debates over the future of Gaza and the Palestinian cause. Whether the president chooses to escalate pressure on Egypt and Jordan or pivot to alternative solutions remains to be seen. For now, the idea has only underscored the deep divisions and complex dynamics of the Middle East.
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