Trump’s Aid Threats to Egypt and Jordan: Implications for Palestinian Displacement
Experts indicate President Trump’s threats to withdraw aid to Egypt and Jordan could lead to new regional alliances. Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan, have strongly rejected his proposal for forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The countries are navigating economic strains while maintaining their positions on Palestinian rights, as they consider potential support from Gulf nations and other powers.
Experts have raised concerns over President Trump’s recent threats to reduce aid to Egypt and Jordan if they do not accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza. These nations, alongside other Arab states, have firmly rejected Trump’s proposals, viewing them as not only impractical but also potentially harmful to regional stability. The prospect of forced displacement remains an unlikely scenario amid strong regional opposition and international law considerations.
Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, emphasized there is “zero possibility” of Palestinians being forcibly displaced, highlighting the deep-rooted connection many have to their homes in Gaza. Katulis stated, “This is their home… It’s a model that just won’t work in today’s Middle East.” Moreover, he indicated that Trump’s approach risks derailing essential negotiations related to hostage releases and humanitarian aids.
In discussing Trump’s threats, Daniel Drezner from Tufts University suggested such measures might inadvertently push Egypt and Jordan toward seeking financial support from Saudi Arabia or the UAE if faced with the prospect of losing U.S. aid. He noted that Arab states quickly dismissed the idea of forcing Palestinians into neighboring countries, asserting that this perspective does not align with regional consensus.
The backlash from Arab nations has been swift. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to Palestinian statehood, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution. Drezner remarked that Jordan, in particular, would find it untenable to accept the forced displacement, which could undermine its regime stability.
Egypt’s reaction includes a cautious approach, underscoring the need for a clear Palestinian stance and promoting the idea of a two-state solution. President El Sisi’s postponement of a planned visit to the White House signals discontent with Trump’s suggestions. Katulis added that any U.S. aid reductions could jeopardize longstanding security relationships in the region.
As Arab nations contemplate their options, Egypt has planned a meeting with other states to discuss counterproposals. Jordan’s King Abdullah reiterated the Arab commitment against Palestinian displacement, highlighting the need to prioritize reconstruction without displacing individuals. The dynamics of potential Gulf state support will also play a crucial role in shaping the response of Egypt and Jordan to U.S. pressures.
With economic strains affecting both Egypt and Jordan, the prospect of admitting millions of Palestinian refugees poses significant challenges. Historical refugee influxes have already impacted Jordan’s economy, while Egypt grapples with inflation and currency devaluation. Drezner highlighted that forced displacement may spark further tensions with Israel, complicating regional security even more.
International implications are noteworthy. While Egypt and Jordan may pivot toward Gulf states for support, considerations about alliances with China or Russia emerge. However, the reliance on U.S. military supplies complicates any rapid shifts, with existing arms systems firmly integrated into their defense structures. Experts conclude that pivoting away from American military support poses serious risks in terms of both compatibility and national security.
In summary, President Trump’s threats to withdraw aid to Egypt and Jordan contingent on accepting Palestinian migrants from Gaza have met significant resistance from Arab nations. Experts warn that forced displacement is unfeasible and could threaten regional stability. Both Egypt and Jordan are likely to explore alternative financial support channels while maintaining their positions on Palestinian statehood. The economic repercussions and military dependencies further complicate their options amid ongoing international relations.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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