Trump’s Aid Threat: Pressure on Jordan and Egypt Amid Gaza…

President Trump has threatened to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they do not agree to resettle Palestinians from Gaza permanently. His proposal has faced strong opposition from both countries, raising concerns about internal stability and security risks. This situation has triggered significant regional tensions and backlash, with implications for U.S. foreign policy and the treatment of Palestinian populations.

United States President Donald Trump has indicated that he might restrict financial aid to Jordan and Egypt if these nations refuse to accept the permanent resettlement of a substantial number of Palestinians from Gaza. His remarks, made during a Fox News interview, highlight a significant increase in pressure on these key Middle Eastern allies as he advances his controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s population.

Earlier, President Trump proposed transforming Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East” and suggested moving Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. Both countries responded with strong opposition to this plan, emphasizing the implications of such a large-scale resettlement.

Following Trump’s initial statements, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that these relocation plans would be “temporary” or “interim”. However, when pressed about the possibility of Palestinians returning to Gaza, Trump asserted that those who depart would not be permitted to return, reinforcing his vision of permanent displacement.

Both Jordan and Egypt have explicitly rejected the idea of taking in a large number of displaced Palestinians. The Kingdom of Jordan, with a significant portion of its population being of Palestinian descent, has long-standing political sensitivities surrounding this matter. Additionally, Egypt, which borders Gaza, has cited security concerns over potential militant activities that might arise from such a resettlement.

The proposal to potentially cut U.S. financial assistance complicates the situation for Jordan and Egypt, which are significant recipients of U.S. military and economic aid. In 2023, Jordan was allocated approximately $1.69 billion while Egypt received around $1.5 billion in foreign assistance. Trump stated, “If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid,” prior to a scheduled meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Trump’s comments have incited considerable backlash throughout the region, as many interpret these remarks as a potential validation of forced displacement, with several critics likening it to ethnic cleansing. This rhetoric has raised tensions ahead of Trump’s upcoming discussions with King Abdullah, during which this contentious issue is expected to dominate conversations.

Israeli hardliners have consistently supported the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank, adding complexity to the geopolitical dynamics in the region. If Jordan or Egypt were to comply with Trump’s proposals, it could establish a concerning precedent that might severely impact Palestinian populations elsewhere in the region.

In summary, President Trump’s warning to Jordan and Egypt regarding potential aid reductions, contingent upon their acceptance of Israeli proposals for Palestinian resettlement, has escalated tensions in West Asia. The rejection from both nations underscores significant internal and regional political sensitivities, while Trump’s remarks have sparked widespread criticism and fears of forced displacement. This evolving scenario is poised to affect future U.S. foreign policy and regional stability significantly.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com