President Donald Trump's proposal to have Egypt and Jordan accept a large number of Palestinian refugees from Gaza faced resistance from both countries and left a key congressional ally puzzled. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, has resulted in a fragile ceasefire, leaving much of Gaza's population displaced due to Israeli military actions.
Trump suggested relocating around 1.5 million people from Gaza to address the situation, emphasizing the need to address the challenges in the region. However, both Egypt and Jordan expressed concerns about the feasibility and implications of such a mass relocation. They fear that Israel may prevent the return of Palestinians once they leave Gaza and worry about the potential destabilization of their economies and security.
Despite Trump's appeals to Jordan's King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, both countries reiterated their opposition to the proposed relocation. Jordan, already hosting over 2 million Palestinian refugees, firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing its unwavering stance. Egypt highlighted the risks of expanding regional conflicts through the transfer of Palestinians.
Trump's leverage over Jordan, a crucial U.S. ally, lies in the significant foreign aid it receives, with the U.S. being a major provider of financial support. However, recent actions by the U.S., including a freeze on foreign assistance, have raised questions about the future dynamics of the relationship.
In the U.S., even Trump loyalists like Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed confusion over the proposed relocation, deeming it impractical. Graham suggested continued dialogue with Middle Eastern leaders to explore viable solutions for the Palestinian issue.
Trump's support for Israel was evident in his decision to release a supply of 2,000-pound bombs to the country, a move previously halted by the Biden administration. Egypt and Jordan, while having peace agreements with Israel, advocate for a Palestinian state in specific territories and fear that mass displacement from Gaza could hinder this goal.
Trump's vision of rebuilding housing in a different location for displaced Gazans reflects his desire for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The situation remains complex, with regional stakeholders navigating conflicting interests and priorities.
