US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Jordan has raised concerns among Jordanian officials and experts, who fear it could exacerbate existing tensions and alter the country’s delicate demographic balance. The proposal, which was presented at the White House last week, would see Jordan take in a significant number of refugees while other countries, including Egypt, accept smaller numbers.
King Abdullah II rejected the plan, citing concerns over the potential for increased instability and unrest in the kingdom. Jordan already has a large Palestinian population, with estimates suggesting between one-quarter to two-thirds of its citizens have a Palestinian background.
The proposal is seen as problematic because it would further shift the demographics of Jordan, potentially fueling tensions between Palestinians and other Jordanians. The country’s monarch tries to maintain a balance between supporting Palestinian statehood and protecting Jordanian interests.
Experts point out that accepting Gazan refugees could undermine efforts to establish a Palestinian state, while also posing economic and security risks for Jordan. The kingdom has a history of clashing with Palestinian groups, including a violent confrontation in 1970 known as Black September.
Personal concerns for King Abdullah are linked to his own family’s complicated relationship with Palestinians. His wife, Queen Rania, is of Palestinian descent and has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, which could make any move seen as undermining that cause a threat to the king’s hold on power.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/world/middleeast/trump-gaza-takeover-jordan.html