Donald Trump has intensified his calls for Egypt to accept Palestinians from Gaza, suggesting that the U.S. could leverage substantial aid for this resettlement plan. During a press briefing on Air Force One, he reiterated his request for Egypt and Jordan to assist in addressing the situation in Gaza, prompting backlash from Palestinians and other Arab nations.
When asked about his conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Trump expressed hope that Egypt would accept some Gazans, citing the U.S.’s historical support to Egypt. He described Sisi as a friend and acknowledged the challenging geopolitical landscape the country faces. He similarly extended the invitation to Jordan.
However, Egyptian officials refuted Trump’s claims of a conversation with Sisi. Both Egypt and Jordan swiftly rejected the resettlement proposal, viewing it as a threat to the Palestinians’ aspirations for statehood and security.
Experts noted that Trump’s remarks, coming shortly after the announcement of a freeze on most U.S. foreign aid programs by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted the leverage the U.S. holds over both nations and Trump’s readiness to utilize it. Analysts remarked that Trump’s extreme stance might be part of a negotiation tactic, although such demands touch upon critical issues for both Egypt and Jordan.
Egypt’s state media reflected the public sentiment, denouncing any plans for displacement of Palestinians and emphasizing national security. Jordan’s foreign minister expressed that a resolution to the Palestinian issue must come from within Palestine itself, asserting the need to prioritize national identities.
Warnings from Arab leaders have abounded regarding any attempts to displace Palestinians, drawing parallels to the mass displacements during the establishment of Israel in 1948, referred to as the Nakba.
Analysts highlighted that Trump could exert pressure on Egypt through the annual military aid it receives from the U.S., which has been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship since the late 1970s. Questions arose about the potential impact on Egyptian stability if displaced Palestinians were relocated there.
The U.S. could also leverage its foreign aid to Jordan, a key ally whose economy relies significantly on American support. Jordan has already accepted a large number of Palestinians and Syrian refugees, and the implications of a further influx could destabilize the country.
Any actions to implement Trump’s ideas could jeopardize the security and political legitimacy of both countries’ leaders. The situation presents complexities that could prove challenging to navigate, differing significantly from past U.S. diplomatic interventions in other regions.
photo credit: www.ft.com
