President Trump threatened to cut off U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they reject his demands to permanently accept Gaza Arabs. Both nations expressed concerns about security risks and possible destabilization from the influx of displaced individuals. Trump asserted his willingness to negotiate agreements with these countries amid warnings of aid withdrawal.
On Monday, President Donald J. Trump issued a warning to Jordan and Egypt regarding U.S. aid, stating that he would withdraw financial support if they refused to accept the majority of Gaza Arabs for relocation within their territories. This warning intensifies the pressure on these Middle Eastern allies to agree to his plan for the resettlement of Gaza’s population, which aims to aid redevelopment in the region.
Both Egyptian and Jordanian officials have voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of relocating Gaza residents, including the risk of establishing terrorist enclaves near their borders with Israel. They fear a large influx of displaced individuals could escalate security issues and challenge existing peace agreements, particularly between Egypt and Israel.
Egyptian security agencies are particularly wary of the implications posed by the possible arrival of numerous Hamas affiliates via the Rafah crossing into Sinai, which they believe could destabilize the region. This concern reflects a broader skepticism, as Egyptian authorities assert that they do not recognize any Gaza civilians as uninvolved, given their ties to Hamas’s activities.
In Jordan, officials highlight the country’s already precarious political situation, exacerbated by the rising influence of the Muslim Brotherhood following significant electoral gains in recent elections. Jordan’s government is concerned that accepting Gaza’s population could further strain its internal stability and lead to unforeseen challenges.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt, has been influential across the region and has received backing from several states, notably Qatar and Turkey. However, many countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, classify the organization as a terrorist group, complicating the regional political landscape surrounding the Gaza issue.
The aid statistics further illustrate the stakes involved. For instance, Egypt received approximately $1.43 billion in assistance from U.S. agencies in the current fiscal year, with more requested for 2024. Jordan, likewise, benefits from a substantial seven-year agreement worth $10.15 billion designed to bolster its stability and security as a key U.S. ally.
Despite both nations’ outright rejection of any proposals for the resettlement of Gaza Arabs, President Trump made it clear that their continued financial assistance might be contingent upon their compliance with his deportation strategy. “If they do not agree, I could conceivably withhold aid,” Trump noted, indicating the severity of his position ahead of an expected meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump elaborated on his vision for relocating Gaza’s population, suggesting the creation of safe communities away from ongoing conflicts. He described this as a ‘real estate development’ opportunity, aiming to promise not only better living conditions for relocated Gazans but also a permanent settlement without the expectation of return.
In summary, President Trump’s warning to Jordan and Egypt underscores the complexities surrounding the proposed relocation of Gaza’s population. Both nations are apprehensive about the potential security risks involved while trying to safeguard existing peace agreements. The financial aid from the U.S. remains crucial to their economies, further complicating their decisions regarding Trump’s controversial plan.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
