President Trump threatened to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they do not accept his proposal to permanently resettle the Palestinian population of Gaza. Both countries have rejected the idea of housing the Palestinians, while Trump maintains that they would not have the right to return after relocation. His comments suggest a strategy that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region.
On Monday, President Donald Trump indicated that he may consider cutting aid to both Jordan and Egypt unless they agree to a controversial plan for absorbing the Palestinian population of Gaza. This proposal places significant pressure on these allied countries to comply with his vision of relocating nearly two million Palestinians to facilitate redevelopment in the Gaza region.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump insisted that if Jordan and Egypt did not consent to this arrangement, he could “conceivably withhold aid”. Both nations have firmly opposed any notion that they would take in Palestinian refugees, reinforcing their unwillingness to entertain such a move.
The President has reiterated his stance on the forced relocation of Palestinians, which has drawn criticism from scholars who deem it potentially illegal and comparable to ethnic cleansing. In a subsequent interview with Fox News, he stated that those Palestinians who leave Gaza as part of this redevelopment initiative would not be permitted to return.
When questioned about their right to return post-redevelopment, Mr. Trump candidly responded that, “No, they wouldn’t”. He expressed optimism about negotiating arrangements with Jordan and Egypt for resettling displaced Palestinians, indicating potential diplomatic discussions ahead.
In summary, President Trump’s remarks illustrate a bold and contentious strategy regarding the Palestinian population in Gaza, suggesting that aid could be leveraged to influence Jordan and Egypt’s compliance. His refusal to allow a right of return for Palestinians raises profound ethical and legal questions, with significant implications for regional politics and stability. These developments underscore the complexities of addressing the Palestinian issue in international relations.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
