Trump Considers Cutting Aid to Jordan and Egypt Over Palestinian Resettlement
President Trump has indicated a possibility of cutting aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinians from Gaza. He asserts that Palestinians wish to leave their current conditions for safer environments. Despite his confidence in Arab nations accepting refugees, Jordan and Egypt have expressed opposition to such proposals. Critics warn that forced relocations could amount to war crimes. Discussions are ongoing between Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah II regarding this matter.
On Monday night, President Donald Trump expressed a willingness to consider withholding aid from Jordan and Egypt if those nations do not agree to accept Palestinians from Gaza. Speaking in the Oval Office, he issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, stating that severe consequences would result if all hostages were not returned to Israel by the upcoming deadline. Trump reiterated his vision of transforming Gaza into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’ and facilitating Palestinian relocation into nearby countries, including Jordan and Egypt.
Trump was asked during the session whether he would impose sanctions on Jordan and Egypt for noncompliance with this plan. His response was somewhat noncommittal but indicated openness to such measures, saying, “Yeah, maybe, sure why not?” This statement coincided with an imminent meeting between him and Jordanian King Abdullah II at the White House to discuss these issues.
While Trump asserts that a significant number of Palestinians would be inclined to leave Gaza, the leaders of Jordan and Egypt have voiced their opposition to resettling large refugee populations. They contend that the plan for relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians cannot be executed while Gaza undergoes reconstruction. Conversely, Trump maintains a belief in the benevolence of neighboring Arab nations in accepting these displaced individuals.
Critics have termed this approach as potentially violating humanitarian norms, with some labeling it as war crimes or ethnic cleansing. Trump was pressed for clarity regarding the fate of Palestinians following the proposed redevelopment of Gaza. He emphasized that the desire among Palestinians to leave is profound if the alternative is a safe and hospitable environment, saying, “They’ve been persecuted, they’ve been spit on, they’ve been treated like trash, and they would love to get out of Gaza – but until now they’ve never had an alternative.”
When queried about possible coercion in relocating Palestinians, Trump refrained from making definitive statements. Nonetheless, he asserted, “You’re going to see that they’re all going to want to leave,” reflecting an assurance in his perspective that many Palestinians would seek resettlement given safer living conditions.
In summary, President Trump’s recent comments indicate a potential shift in U.S. foreign aid policy towards Jordan and Egypt, contingent upon their acceptance of Palestinian refugees. His insistence that Arab nations will accommodate displaced Palestinians is met with skepticism from regional leaders. Critics highlight the ethical implications of his proposed plans, raising concerns about human rights violations. As discussions continue, the geopolitical landscape concerning Gaza and its inhabitants remains precarious.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk