President Trump’s plan to bring large numbers of Palestinian refugees from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt fell short with Arab allies and left a key U.S. senator perplexed. The initiative, which Trump suggested during his Florida visit, faced resistance from Jordan and Egypt due to concerns about Israel’s refusal to accept the influx and potential economic and security risks.
The move was met with criticism from prominent U.S. senator Lindsey Graham, who questioned the practicality of moving nearly two million Palestinians out of Gaza, home to over 2.3 million people. Both nations have struggled economically and fear destabilization from such a large-scale refugee flow.
Jordan already hosts over two million Palestinian refugees, while Egypt expressed concerns about the security implications of funneling thousands more into its Sinai Peninsula bordering Gaza. The idea also clashes with Biden’s restrictions on foreign aid to Israel due to civilian casualties in Gaza.
Trump, despite these challenges, has maintained contact with Jordan and Egypt, hinting at a potential resumption of dialogue. However, his strategy shift toward engaging with Arab allies contrasts sharply with Biden’s approach, which Trump described as overly cautious.
The plan remains controversial, with analysts noting its potential for temporary or long-term solutions while emphasizing the delicate balance between humanitarian aid and regional stability. The U.S. continues to rely heavily on Jordan for security and assistance, a relationship crucial given its proximity to key Middle Eastern countries and U.S. interests.
In his remarks, Trump emphasized the need to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis while preparing for potential displacement. However, his strategy to collaborate with Arab allies has raised concerns from those who believe Biden’s approach was more prudent in light of past escalations in the region.
The situation highlights tensions between Trump’s foreign policy strategy and Biden’s emphasis on caution, complicating efforts to stabilize a region marked by ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Source: https://apnews.com/article