Jordan’s Humanitarian Efforts Amid Trump’s Palestinian Displacement Plans
Jordan has begun evacuating sick children from Gaza to deflect President Trump’s plans for Palestinian displacement. The first convoy, carrying about 30 children, arrived in Amman as part of a humanitarian effort amidst ongoing conflict. Jordan seeks to maintain stability while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marking its commitment to support Palestinians amid fears of mass displacement.
Amman recently received its first convoy of sick and injured children from Gaza, marking a significant humanitarian effort. Among those evacuated is ten-year-old Bilal, who has suffered vision impairment due to an injury from Israeli shrapnel. His father, Mohamed Adnan al Hamwassi, expressed hope for his son’s surgery following the arrival of the medical convoy, which transported about 30 children and 44 relatives under the cooperation of the World Health Organization.
This initiative is part of Jordan’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan aimed at displacing millions of Palestinians from Gaza. On March 3, the convoy arrived in Jordan, coinciding with meetings of Arab leaders in Egypt to devise alternatives to Trump’s widely criticized proposal, which envisaged transforming Gaza into a luxury resort. UNICEF estimated that 25,000 children in Gaza have been injured since the outbreak of hostilities, highlighting the dire need for medical assistance amid devastating damage to Gaza’s health infrastructure.
Jordan has participated in numerous humanitarian operations aimed at supporting Gaza since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023. The latest efforts serve to reinforce Jordan’s commitment to assisting Palestinians and to dissuade Trump’s policy of mass displacement. Hassan Al Momani, from the University of Jordan, indicated that Jordan’s humanitarian facilitation may have reduced American pressure regarding displacement proposals.
A royal directive from King Abdullah II led to the medical convoy’s launch, allowing for treatment of the children in Jordan. During a meeting, Trump acknowledged the move as a “beautiful gesture.” Simultaneously, King Abdullah II supported an Egyptian initiative to provide $53 billion to rebuild Gaza by 2030 and establish a transitional government. The transportation of the children awaited clearance amid ongoing ceasefires and logistical complications before their eventual arrival in Jordan.
Jordan is acutely aware of the risks associated with the potential displacement of Palestinians. The country, home to a significant Palestinian population, fears that such moves might destabilize its internal demographic balance and hinder prospects for a two-state solution. Marwan Muasher, former foreign minister of Jordan, articulated that the country prefers to engage discreetly with the U.S. administration, emphasizing the perils of mass displacement rather than public confrontations.
With Trump’s administration having already dismissed Arab proposals and drastically cut aid budgets, the ramifications of Jordan’s humanitarian efforts remain uncertain. Analysts note that while the mass transfer to Jordan may have low likelihood, the implications for the West Bank are of greater concern in light of potential Israeli annexation. Furthermore, recent Israeli military actions have led to significant displacement in the West Bank, intensifying Jordan’s apprehensions concerning future policies regarding Palestinians.
The article highlights Jordan’s humanitarian initiatives to support Gazan children while navigating the complexities of U.S. policy regarding Palestinian displacement. Amid fears of destabilization due to potential mass transfers, Jordan emphasizes diplomacy and humanitarian outreach as tools to address both immediate needs and long-term regional stability. The need for international collaboration and support remains crucial for Jordan to navigate its delicate position concerning U.S. plans and regional dynamics regarding Palestinians.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
