Impact of Trump’s Gaza Proposal on Jordan and Egypt: Concerns and Reactions
President Trump’s Gaza plan faces opposition from Egypt and Jordan, who reject the idea of resettling Palestinians. Historical dynamics and regional tensions complicate the response from both nations. Leaders Abdullah II and Sisi are pressuring Trump for alternatives, aware of the potential repercussions for stability and their relations with the Palestinian people.
Recent global discontent has centered on President Donald Trump’s proposal for the US to take “ownership” of Gaza, suggesting the relocation of over two million Palestinians to facilitate the area’s transformation into a Middle Eastern “riviera.” Both Jordan and Egypt have expressed significant concern regarding this demand, with their leaders rejecting it outright. King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi from Egypt are convening in Washington to urge Trump to reconsider his plan.
Experts like Neil Quilliam from Chatham House have warned that both countries are apprehensive about a potential Israeli policy aimed at transferring Palestinians. Jordan has historically received large numbers of displaced Palestinians since 1948 and 1967, creating a complex demographic issue where over half of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian origin. Therefore, any further displacement may exacerbate existing tensions.
The proposal has raised alarms among leaders in Jordan and Egypt, who fear the implications of permanently resettling large Palestinian populations. The historical context surrounding Palestinian displacement weighs heavily on Jordan’s political landscape, recalling past uprisings led by Palestinian factions. In conjunction, Egypt’s refusal to accept Palestinians stem from fears of exacerbating internal instability and compromising existing security arrangements with Israel.
In summary, Trump’s Gaza plan poses significant risks to regional stability, particularly for Jordan and Egypt. The leaders are caught in a difficult position, balancing international pressures with their domestic concerns. Their dependency on US aid complicates their ability to reject the proposal outright, yet they must navigate the sentiments of their populations towards the Palestinian cause, which remains a sensitive issue.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
