DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Former President Donald Trump proposed that Egypt and Jordan accept Palestinians fleeing the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing violence and destruction. This suggestion is anticipated to receive a strong rejection from both the countries and the Palestinians, who harbor concerns that Israel might never permit their return to their homeland.
On a recent Saturday, Trump expressed his intention to advocate for the leaders of the two Arab nations to accommodate the displaced Palestinian population of Gaza, indicating that the resettlement could be either temporary or permanent. He described the current state of Gaza as “literally a demolition site,” referring to the massive devastation inflicted by Israel’s extensive military operations against Hamas, which have caused extensive displacement.
Trump's proposal is likely to align with the views of the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, which has long supported the idea of encouraging Palestinian migration and expanding Jewish settlements in Gaza. However, the suggestion has drawn heavy criticism and concerns from human rights groups, who have accused Israel of ethnic cleansing based on actions intended to remove the Palestinian civilian population from targeted areas through violent means.
The historical context of displacement is significant, as the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 resulted in the mass exodus of around 700,000 Palestinians—an event commemorated by them as the Nakba, meaning catastrophe. Israel's refusal to allow the return of these refugees has sparked a protracted refugee crisis, with current estimates indicating that there are approximately 6 million descendants of these Palestinians worldwide.
Further compounding the situation, during the 1967 Mideast war, an additional 300,000 Palestinians fled, primarily into Jordan. The ongoing refugee crisis has played a crucial role in fueling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has proven to be a difficult topic in past peace negotiations, with Palestinians insisting on a right of return that Israel opposes, advocating instead for their absorption by neighboring Arab nations.
Currently, the situation in Gaza is dire, with the majority of the 2.3 million-strong population displaced due to the recent violence. Many Palestinians fear that if they leave Gaza, they may not be able to return, heightening their anxiety about the future.
Both Egypt and Jordan have historically resisted the idea of accepting Palestinian refugees, emphasizing that such a move could undermine their own national stability and contradict their support for a Palestinian state that encompasses Gaza and the West Bank. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has highlighted national security risks associated with the relocation of Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula, suggesting it could lead to potential conflicts on Egyptian territory, reminiscent of past experiences where militant groups destabilized Lebanon.
Jordan, currently hosting over 2 million Palestinian refugees—many of whom have been granted citizenship—has also rejected the idea of becoming a permanent resettlement option for Gaza’s displaced citizens. Jordan’s monarchy has dismissed proposals suggesting that the country be recognized as a Palestinian state, as this contradicts its longstanding national interests and stability.
The feasibility of forcing Egypt and Jordan to accept such refugees largely hinges on the United States' position and potential pressure tactics. Should Trump push this agenda, it could deeply affect U.S. aid relations with both countries, which already face significant economic challenges. However, resettling a large influx of refugees could exacerbate the existing crises in both nations, considering Egypt is grappling with an economic downturn and already hosts millions of migrants.
Furthermore, U.S. pressure could alienate important regional allies, complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and other Arab states, an initiative that Trump has sought to pursue further.
As discussions around this contentious issue evolve, the complex intersection of history, politics, and human rights remains at the forefront of the conversation regarding the fate of Palestinians from Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability.
