President Trump warned Jordan and Egypt they risk losing U.S. aid if they refuse to permanently accept Gaza’s Arab population, citing the need for a relocation plan during redevelopment. Both nations raised concerns about security threats from Hamas and rejected the idea of resettlement, fearing the formation of terrorist strongholds. The significant aid received by both countries may influence their decisions regarding Trump’s proposal.
On Monday, President Donald J. Trump issued a warning to Jordan and Egypt, stating he would consider cutting off their aid if they refused his demand to permanently accept the majority of Gaza’s Arab population. This move signifies an escalation in his efforts to persuade allies in the Middle East to endorse his controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s population during redevelopment initiatives in the area.
Prior to Trump’s warning, officials from both Egypt and Jordan had expressed substantial concerns regarding the potential for a large-scale influx of Gaza residents. They fear such displacement may facilitate the establishment of terrorist strongholds along their borders with Israel, raising significant security alarms for both nations.
Egyptian security authorities have articulated fears that the mass entry of Hamas members through the Rafah crossing could destabilize their border region and threaten the longstanding peace agreement with Israel. They, alongside Jordan, assert that there are no “uninvolved civilians” in Gaza, as they consider all individuals to be linked to Hamas.
In Jordan, officials highlight the precarious nature of the kingdom’s political situation, which has been complicated by the notable gains of the Muslim Brotherhood in recent parliamentary elections. This extremist group, a splinter of the Muslim Brotherhood founded by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt in 1928, has had significant influence beyond Egyptian borders, establishing itself as a potent force in various nations.
Financially, U.S. aid to Egypt reached $1.43 billion in 2023, with a request for $1.44 billion for 2024. Jordan, on the other hand, has a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. valued at $10.15 billion, reflecting ongoing U.S. commitment to Jordan’s stability. Both nations rely heavily on this assistance and have firmly rejected Trump’s proposal to resettle Gaza’s Arabs within their territories.
Trump conveyed to reporters that should Jordan and Egypt decline his plan, he might withhold financial support. “If they don’t agree, I could conceivably withhold aid,” Trump remarked, expressing optimism about negotiating with both countries. In a Fox News interview, he elaborated on his vision, proposing the creation of development communities for relocated Gazans.
Trump envisioned these communities as secure spaces situated away from conflict, highlighting that such developments would provide Gazans with improved housing conditions. He emphasized a permanent solution rather than a temporary refuge, assuring that relocated individuals would not seek to return to Gaza.
In summary, President Trump’s warning to Jordan and Egypt underscores the U.S. administration’s pressure on these nations to accept Gaza’s Arab population as part of a broader restructuring strategy. Both countries have expressed serious concerns regarding security implications, rejecting the proposal due to fears of destabilization. The substantial foreign aid they receive may be contingent on their compliance, a factor that Trump alluded to in his discussions.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
