President Donald Trump insists that Jordan and Egypt will accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza, despite strong opposition from both nations. Their leaders have emphasized the unacceptability of forced displacement and the importance of a two-state solution. A meeting of Arab foreign ministers will further discuss this regional issue, amid warnings of economic pressures if relocation occurs.
On Friday, President Donald Trump reiterated his belief that Jordan and Egypt would accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza, suggesting they could be pressured into compliance. During a press interaction in the Oval Office, he remarked, “They will do it. We give them a lot, and they will take them,” emphasizing this position similar to previous statements made over the past days.
A meeting of five Arab foreign ministers is scheduled for Saturday in Cairo to deliberate on regional issues, particularly the situation in Gaza. The attendees will include prime ministers from Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar, alongside foreign ministers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as prominent figures like Hussein Al-Sheikh from the PLO and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League.
In contrast, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi declared that forced displacement of Palestinians would be intolerable and a threat to Egypt’s national security. His strong stance was echoed by demonstrators at the Rafah border, who protested against any plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing their right to remain in their homeland.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also expressed firm opposition to any obligatory displacement of Palestinians. He reaffirmed the necessity of a two-state solution as the only viable pathway to achieving sustained peace in the region, firmly stating that Jordan cannot become a substitute homeland for Palestinians.
Last Sunday, Trump suggested that Arab nations should increase their acceptance of Palestinian refugees, a statement that sparked backlash from Arab leaders and Palestinian officials. They condemned any notion of forced displacement as a breach of international law, asserting their rights to remain on their land.
Experts caution that if Trump continues to advocate for the relocation of Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, he may impose economic pressure on these nations. Both countries are dependent on substantial U.S. aid, and experts express concern that potential US tariffs or sanctions could worsen their already precarious economic situations.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has prompted discussions around the potential displacement of Palestinians to neighboring countries. The U.S. administration, under President Trump, has proposed that countries like Jordan and Egypt take in refugees, raising significant concerns among Arab leaders and international observers. Key Arab nations, such as Egypt and Jordan, have expressed strong opposition to any forced displacement, seeing it as a violation of their national security and international law.
In summary, President Trump’s assertion that Jordan and Egypt will accept displaced Gazans has ignited controversy, with both Arab nations reasserting their rejection of forced relocation. The forthcoming meetings among Arab leaders are critical in addressing these issues. Meanwhile, experts warn of potential economic repercussions if the U.S. enacts pressure on these nations, heightening the stakes amid the regional crisis.
Original Source: shafaq.com
