US President Donald Trump has warned that he may cut aid to Jordan and Egypt unless they agree to take in most of the Palestinian population from Gaza. The proposal, which has sparked shockwaves in the Middle East, would relocate approximately two million Palestinians and is seen as a major challenge for the region’s stability.
Trump stated on Monday that if Jordan and Egypt do not accept his plan, he could withhold aid, putting significant pressure on key allies in the region. The proposal includes relocating Palestinians to safe communities built away from Gaza’s danger zones, with the US providing funding and Israel offering security support.
The move has been met with strong opposition from both countries, citing concerns over security and the potential destabilization of the region. King Abdullah II of Jordan is said to be deeply concerned about the impact on his kingdom, which already faces domestic tensions between citizens of Palestinian descent and those who are not.
Experts warn that Trump’s proposal could amount to a war crime and ethnic cleansing if implemented without careful consideration. With no clear end date for the plan, many question whether it can be effectively managed.
Trump’s stance has been reinforced by his administration, with some officials pushing back against softer versions of the proposal. Despite this, the US president remains committed to his idea, which is seen as a significant shift in US policy towards Gaza and its Palestinian population.
With King Abdullah set to meet Trump at the White House, analysts predict that the king will face significant pressure to either accept or reject the plan, potentially altering the future of Jordan’s government.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/us/politics/trump-jordan-egypt-gaza-development.html