Trump Threatens Aid Cuts to Jordan and Egypt Over Gaza Development Plan
Trump threatens to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they reject his Gaza plan, which seeks to relocate millions of Palestinians to those countries. King Abdullah of Jordan plans to meet Trump, voicing strong opposition to the proposal. The situation raises concerns about the peace process and the feasibility of Trump’s strategy amid regional apprehension.
Former President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to consider withholding U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt unless they support his controversial Gaza development plan. This pronouncement coincides with the upcoming visit of King Abdullah of Jordan to the White House, marking his first meeting with the president since taking office again.
Trump’s plan seeks to fundamentally reshape Gaza, involving the relocation of nearly two million Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, which has led to significant backlash from Middle Eastern leaders, including King Abdullah. The Jordanian monarch expressed his disapproval through a statement emphasizing the need to cease Israeli settlement expansions and rejecting any initiatives that may displace Palestinians.
In response to the criticism, Trump has remained resolute, asserting that the displaced Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza after reconstruction, and suggesting that aid could be leveraged to ensure compliance from Jordan and Egypt. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also set to embark on a diplomatic tour of the region to discuss these developments further.
Despite some analysts viewing Trump’s approach as a potential negotiating tactic, there are concerns about the negative repercussions of his plan on the already fragile peace process in the region. While some experts acknowledge that Trump’s approach has sparked more engagement on Gaza than previous administrations, they caution that it requires significant adjustments to be viable.
Ultimately, Trump faces a considerable challenge in persuading Jordan and Egypt to accept additional Palestinian refugees. Experts suggest that there is little the United States can do to change their positions, underscoring the complexities surrounding Trump’s objectives in the region.
In summary, President Trump’s Gaza development plan has raised concerns among Arab leaders, especially regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians. He has suggested withholding U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt to gain their support. While his approach has prompted discussion, experts warn that it could exacerbate tensions and damage the peace process. Trump’s ability to persuade key regional allies remains uncertain as they express resistance to his proposals.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
