Former President Trump proposed relocating 1.5 million Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, a suggestion met with swift rejection from both countries. The ongoing conflict has resulted in mass displacement, and fears of permanent relocation were voiced by local officials and Hamas. Despite some leverage over Jordan, the consensus is that a political resolution to the Palestinian issue is paramount for regional stability.
Former President Donald Trump’s proposal for Egypt and Jordan to accept a significant influx of Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip has met with rejection and confusion from both countries and some U.S. officials. Trump suggested relocating around 1.5 million Palestinians during recent discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Egypt’s president, emphasizing the dire circumstances in Gaza following the ongoing military conflict.
The ongoing unrest in Gaza is linked to Hamas’s attacks on Israel initiated in October 2023, which have resulted in extensive displacement. Trump expressed that the relocation might help address the situation but has faced immediate pushback. Both Hamas and the governments of Egypt and Jordan dismissed his ideas, citing that mass displacement is neither viable nor safe for the region.
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou emphasized the return of displaced individuals to northern Gaza as a defiance of attempts to forcefully displace them. Egypt and Jordan are concerned that supporting such measures might lead to permanent displacement and destabilize their already fragile economies. Jordan’s foreign minister reaffirmed his nation’s firm stance against Trump’s suggestions.
Egypt’s foreign ministry echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for a political resolution to the Palestinian issue as integral to regional stability. The statement reaffirmed Egypt’s ongoing support for the Palestinian people’s rights and fundamental entitlements. Additionally, the ministry rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians either temporarily or permanently.
Despite Trump’s potential leverage due to U.S. aid to Jordan, both Egypt and Jordan remain resolute against mass relocation, fearing it could complicate the geopolitical landscape. European officials also voiced their opposition; Germany’s foreign ministry supported the notion that Palestinians should not be expelled from Gaza. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recognized the need for international collaboration but did not endorse Trump’s approach.
In Washington, confusion ensued even among Trump’s allies. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed skepticism about the practicalities of such a proposal, urging continued dialogue with Middle Eastern leaders. He raised valid concerns regarding the feasibility of relocating the Palestinian population amidst complex regional dynamics.
As the situation evolves, Trump announced a decision to release 2,000-pound bomb supplies to Israel—an action previously held back under President Biden due to humanitarian concerns. With Egypt and Jordan advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the implications of Trump’s suggestions may further derail efforts toward a two-state solution, which were previously sought after by multiple administrations.
The backdrop to Trump’s recent comments lies in the escalating conflict between Hamas, which governs Gaza, and Israel, triggered by attacks from Hamas in October 2023. This conflict has resulted in widespread devastation in Gaza, leading to a large number of displaced persons. The proposal for Egypt and Jordan to absorb these refugees has sparked fears of long-term instability in both countries, already hosting significant Palestinian populations. There is an established understanding among regional players that the Palestinian issue must be resolved politically, not through displacement.
In summary, Trump’s suggestion for Egypt and Jordan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza has encountered widespread condemnation from those nations, leading to increased uncertainty about the future of the Palestinian populace. Both governments, along with Hamas, have firmly rejected widespread displacement, reinforcing the need for a political resolution to the conflict. As international leaders weigh in, it remains clear that the complexities of the situation require a coordinated and balanced approach to promote stability in the region.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
