In response to President Trump's proposal for Jordan and Egypt to accept two million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, both Arab nations are quickly working to convince the U.S. leader to reconsider. They view this proposal as an existential threat and aim to placate Trump with offers to collaborate on rebuilding Gaza and expanding humanitarian efforts.
During a recent meeting in the Oval Office, Jordan’s King Abdullah emphasized a more conciliatory approach, offering to accept 2,000 Palestinian children with severe health issues from Gaza. However, he reaffirmed Jordan's rejection of the broader resettlement plan, underscoring the country's ongoing treatment of cancer patients from Gaza as a symbolic gesture rather than a concession.
King Abdullah praised Trump, suggesting he could help achieve stability and peace in the region. He advocated for U.S. leadership in achieving a two-state solution, while also making it clear that mass displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable.
Similarly, Egypt expressed a desire to work with Trump to foster peace but reiterated that a resolution must include Palestinian statehood. The Egyptian government proposed an alternative plan focusing on Gaza's reconstruction without displacing its residents. This sentiment was echoed by the Palestinian Authority, which unveiled its own recovery strategy.
Egyptian officials have emphasized their readiness to assist in Gaza's reconstruction, highlighting the importance of their shared border. A prominent Egyptian businessman presented a $20 billion proposal for housing development in Gaza without relocating its population, aligning with the government’s stance.
In discussions, King Abdullah mentioned the need for consultations with Egypt and other Arab nations, referencing a forthcoming summit in Riyadh. Despite Jordan and Egypt's pushback, Trump maintained his vision of the U.S. transforming Gaza into a tourism hub, though he softened his stance on cutting aid to these nations if they did not comply.
Trump suggested that other countries might also accept displaced Gazans, although those countries have already dismissed such proposals. Analysts warn that Trump's approach disregards the historical importance of stability in Egypt and Jordan, which are crucial U.S. allies with shared security interests.
Both Egypt and Jordan have previously hosted Palestinian refugees and are wary of the domestic repercussions of appearing complicit in forced displacement. Jordan, in particular, is concerned about the potential destabilization of its monarchy due to the influx of Palestinian refugees, as a significant portion of its population is of Palestinian descent.
The proposal has raised alarms regarding the potential for Israel to push Palestinians from the West Bank into Jordan, a fear articulated by the Arab League's secretary general. Egypt also regards the idea of resettling Palestinians as a security threat, fearing potential retaliatory actions against Israel could occur from its territory.