- President Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, including Jordan.
- King Abdullah II firmly rejects the idea, emphasizing national security and sovereignty.
- Several Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have condemned the proposal.
- Trump threatened to withhold U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they do not accept the plan.
- Protests in Jordan have erupted against the potential displacement of Palestinians.
President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. He suggests resettling them in neighboring countries, including Jordan. This idea has been widely criticized and rejected by many worldwide.
Trump made the proposal alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Jordan strongly rejected it. King Abdullah II of Jordan, a U.S. ally, will meet Trump to discuss this matter.
The Proposal and Its Backlash
During a joint appearance with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump proposed that the U.S. take control of Gaza, a region devastated by years of conflict, and relocate its residents to neighboring Arab countries. Trump suggested that Palestinians should be “removed” from Gaza, implying a permanent displacement without the right to return.
This plan has been heavily criticized as a form of ethnic cleansing by many political analysts and international organizations. Critics argue that it seeks to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the expense of the Palestinian people, whose right to return to their homeland is a central issue in the conflict.
In response, several Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, have condemned Trump’s proposal. The idea has also been labeled as a form of historical revisionism, drawing parallels with the Nakba of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel.
Jordan, which hosts a large Palestinian population, has been particularly vocal in rejecting the proposal. King Abdullah II’s administration has made it clear that the displacement of Palestinians into Jordan would create a domestic crisis and undermine the country’s political stability.
Jordan’s Position and King Abdullah’s Stance
Jordan’s position on the matter is clear: the kingdom will not accept the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, as it poses a direct threat to Jordan’s stability. King Abdullah II, who has been under pressure from various international and domestic sources, has described such a proposal as a “red line.”
Jordan is home to over two million Palestinian refugees, many of whom are of Palestinian origin. These refugees and their descendants have been an integral part of Jordan’s society for decades. However, the kingdom is unwilling to shoulder an additional burden by absorbing more Palestinians from Gaza.
Dima Toukan, a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, stated, “The king will not budge on this matter.” Analysts warn that accepting such a proposal could result in massive civil unrest, potentially destabilizing Jordan’s monarchy.
The U.S. Financial Pressure on Jordan and Egypt
Despite Jordan’s firm stance, President Trump has threatened to withhold U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt unless they accept the proposal. Jordan is one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, with a significant portion of the country’s budget relying on this assistance. In 2023, Jordan received $1.72 billion in U.S. aid, making it the fourth-largest recipient of American foreign assistance.
Trump’s warning about cutting off aid has created a tense diplomatic situation. “If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid,” Trump said in a statement. This economic pressure is intended to push Jordan and Egypt into accepting the plan, though Jordan’s government is unlikely to change its position.
The U.S. also provides military aid to Jordan, which has been a crucial ally in the Middle East. However, analysts argue that the threat of aid cuts may not be enough to compel Jordan to accept such a drastic move, given the political and social consequences it would bring.
Protests and Domestic Sentiment in Jordan
Jordan has built a strong relationship with the U.S. based on shared economic and security interests. However, Trump’s isolationist policies and economic pressure on allies could put Jordan in a difficult spot. Geoffrey Hughes, author of Kinship, Islam, and the Politics of Marriage in Jordan, points out that Jordan and other Gulf nations are considering alliances with Russia and China.
The region’s geopolitical landscape is changing, and Jordan may need to adjust its strategy while staying close to the U.S. U.S. troops remain stationed in Jordan, keeping military ties important. But with Trump’s plan to reduce U.S. military presence, this relationship might face complications. Furthermore, King Abdullah II strongly rejects Trump’s Palestinian relocation plan, adding more tension.
The Risk of Geopolitical Shifts
Jordan has built a strong relationship with the U.S., based on shared economic and security interests. However, Trump’s isolationist policies and his push for economic pressure could leave Jordan in a tough spot. Geoffrey Hughes, author of Kinship, Islam, and the Politics of Marriage in Jordan, notes that Jordan and other Gulf nations are exploring alliances with Russia and China.
The region’s geopolitical landscape is shifting, and Jordan may need to adjust its strategy while staying close to the U.S. U.S. troops stay stationed in Jordan, keeping military ties important. However, Trump’s plan to reduce U.S. military presence could complicate this relationship. Additionally, King Abdullah II firmly rejects Trump’s Palestinian relocation plan, which adds more tension.