US President Donald Trump has repeatedly asked Egypt and Jordan to take in two million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. In response, both countries are trying to divert Trump’s attention with offers to work together on rebuilding Gaza, bringing peace to the region, and addressing security concerns.
Egypt and Jordan have expressed concerns that taking in large numbers of Palestinians could destabilize their societies and alienate their populations. Both countries already host significant refugee populations and face resource constraints.
Middle East experts say Trump appears to be ignoring previous US calculations about the importance of stability in Egypt and Jordan. The proposal also inflames fears that Israel will next drive Palestinians out of the occupied West Bank into Jordan, a long-held ambition of far-right Israelis.
Trump’s plan has sparked diplomatic backlash from Arab leaders, with many criticizing the US approach as ignoring regional dynamics and promoting ethnic cleansing. Despite this, Trump remains committed to his core plan, suggesting that he is open to involving other countries in the solution.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/middleeast/trump-gaza-egypt-jordan.html