President Trump has warned Jordan and Egypt that U.S. aid may be withheld if they do not accept Gaza’s population. Both countries have expressed serious concerns about security risks from such a move, particularly regarding the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence. Significant financial aid from the U.S. plays a crucial role in their relationships, complicating the acceptance of Trump’s plans.
On Monday, President Donald J. Trump issued a stern warning to Jordan and Egypt, indicating that he would cut aid if they rejected his demand to accept a significant number of Gaza Arabs into their territories. This warning escalates his efforts to persuade these Middle Eastern allies to support his controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s population during and after redevelopment efforts in the region.
Officials in both countries have voiced serious concerns that a substantial influx of Gaza residents could result in the establishment of terrorist factions near their borders with Israel. They caution that this displacement may lead to significant security threats, jeopardizing their national stability and regional peace efforts.
Egyptian security experts are particularly worried about the potential for Hamas operatives to cross into the Sinai Peninsula through the Rafah border. They fear this could destabilize border conditions and undermine the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, especially given Egypt’s long-standing conflict with the Muslim Brotherhood, which shares ideological ties with Hamas.
In Jordan, the government has expressed that the current political environment is already precarious, especially following the Muslim Brotherhood’s notable success in the previous parliamentary elections. The political situation raises alarms regarding the feasibility of absorbing any influx of Gaza’s population, given the organization’s increasing influence.
The Muslim Brotherhood, an influential Islamist group founded in 1928, has garnered state backing from nations like Qatar and Turkey. Various countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have designated the organization as a terrorist entity, complicating the political landscape for both Jordan and Egypt.
In terms of financial aid, in 2023, the United States allocated approximately $1.43 billion to Egypt, with a request for slightly more in 2024. Jordan, which has a MOU in place amounting to $10.15 billion over seven years, also heavily relies on U.S. support, as both nations receive substantial military and economic assistance.
Despite their reluctance to accept displaced Gaza Arabs, Trump insisted that his proposed relocation plan could be viable. He stated, “If they don’t agree, I could conceivably withhold aid” – Source. Trump emphasized the potential to reach agreements with both countries and envisioned creating safer living environments for the relocated individuals.
Trump elaborated on his vision during an interview, suggesting that the resettled Gazans would benefit from superior housing conditions compared to their current living situations. He portrayed the relocation as a long-term real estate development opportunity, aiming for the establishment of permanent communities away from areas of conflict.
In conclusion, President Trump has increased pressure on Jordan and Egypt to accept Gaza’s population amid redevelopment plans, threatening aid cuts if they refuse. Both nations express valid security concerns about terrorist risks and the impact on domestic stability. The U.S. has significant financial stakes in these relationships, as each country relies heavily on American military and economic support. Trump’s ambitious vision for Gaza’s future thus remains contentious amid these geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
