Donald Trump’s Gaza plan proposes US ‘ownership’ of the territory, which includes displacing over two million Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. Both leaders have rejected this demand but will seek to persuade Trump against it. The plan invokes historical trauma and poses risks to the stability of both nations, complicating existing geopolitical dynamics.
The recent proposal by former President Donald Trump for the United States to take ‘ownership’ of Gaza, which includes the displacement of over two million Palestinians, has sparked widespread international outcry. This plan demands that both Jordan and Egypt accept large numbers of Palestinians permanently, a request met with immediate rejection from their leaders. Kings Abdullah II of Jordan and Abdel Fatah al-Sisi of Egypt are set to meet with Trump to persuade him to reconsider this approach.
Analysts warn of the potential trauma this proposal could inflict on already suffering Palestinians. Historically, Jordan has seen significant waves of Palestinian refugees, and approximately half of its population is of Palestinian descent. The painful memories of the Nakba—the 1948 displacement—remain fresh in the collective Arab consciousness, leading to fears that any forced transfer of Palestinians today would repeat past traumas.
The geopolitical landscape in the region is heavily influenced by the historical context of Palestinian displacement. Since 1948 and the subsequent 1967 war, Jordan has been home to many Palestinian refugees, creating a complex and sensitive demographic situation. The current dynamics of US foreign policy, underpinned by substantial aid to Jordan and Egypt, complicate their leaders’ ability to reject Trump’s proposal outright. A demographic shift, particularly one initiated by foreign pressure, is viewed as a threat to national identity and political stability.
In summary, Trump’s Gaza proposal places significant pressure on both Jordan and Egypt, raising fears of mass displacement and political destabilization. Leaders Abdullah II and Sisi face a daunting challenge, balancing their national interests with the historical plight of Palestinians. The potential implications of the plan could lead to severe unrest and further complicate regional stability.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
