U.S. President Trump’s call to displace Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan raises alarm regarding Jordan’s stability. King Abdullah II’s firm stance against accepting more Palestinian refugees reflects deep historical tensions and the potential for increased unrest. This situation poses significant risks not only for Jordan but also for U.S. interests in maintaining regional security and stability.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s intention to “clean out” Gaza raises serious concerns, particularly for Jordan. During a call on January 25, Trump urged King Abdullah II of Jordan to accept a significant influx of Palestinian refugees, potentially leading to a form of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. This situation is critical as it threatens Jordan’s stability amid existing internal conflicts, with significant repercussions being detrimental to U.S. interests in the region.
Jordan has long viewed the acceptance of Palestinian refugees as a red line, and while Trump’s statements may result from a broader negotiation strategy for peace in the Middle East, their ramifications are gravely taken seriously by the Jordanian leadership. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi firmly stated, “Jordan is for Jordanians, and Palestine is for Palestinians,” thereby underscoring the kingdom’s unwavering stance.
Following the events after October 7, 2023, King Abdullah II articulated a resolute position by stating there will be “No refugees in Jordan, no refugees in Egypt.” Jordan relies on support from U.S. administrations to counter Israeli moves that may induce forced relocation of Palestinians. However, a potential second Trump administration may overlook Jordan’s concerns regarding refugee movements, especially given the enthusiasm for such ideas among far-right Israeli politicians.
Trump’s rhetoric on expulsion only strengthens pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue more extreme measures, which could provoke tensions with Jordan. Historically, Jordan has absorbed numerous waves of Palestinian refugees since 1948, which has complicated its demographic balance and has previously resulted in social and political instability, including the 1970 conflict known as Black September.
Asking Jordan to accept more Palestinians reverberates with the painful memories of the past. Displacement for Palestinians is rarely temporary, leading to permanent refugee statuses that strain Jordan’s national cohesion. Approximately 55 to 70 percent of Jordan’s population identifies as having Palestinian lineage, compounding the gravity of any forced relocations.
In seeking to maintain stability and security, Jordan has balanced relations with both Palestinians and native Jordanians since 1948. The past upheavals have made the preservation of a demographic balance a crucial national security issue. Trump’s proposals risk historically repeating the past, which could threaten Jordan’s stability and even invite groups like Hamas into the region, raising fears reminiscent of the historic conflict in the 1970s.
Jordanian citizens are highly attuned to developments in Gaza, making it essential that any decision by their leadership regarding Palestinian refugee acceptance is perceived as legitimate. With Hamas gaining popularity after recent events, the Jordanian response to external pressure could ignite public protests, further complicating the country’s political landscape and survival.
Trump’s previous attempts to enforce his agenda on Jordan are well-documented, including the controversial relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem against Jordanian objections. The kingdom has consistently sidelined its stability concerns in the face of U.S. pressure, especially regarding proposals like the “deal of the century.” A refusal by Jordan to comply with Trump’s demands could lead to punitive measures against the kingdom.
The precariousness of Jordan’s situation was highlighted by a failed coup attempt in 2021, which rocked both national and global perceptions of its stability. In the current climate, Jordan is a stabilizing force amidst regional turbulence, hosting millions of refugees from various conflicts while mediating humanitarian aid efforts.
The article discusses the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan, raising concerns about regional stability and Jordan’s capacity to absorb additional refugees. It provides context on Jordan’s historical experiences with Palestinian displacement, illustrating how past displacements have led to significant social and political tensions within the kingdom. The potential consequences of Trump’s proposal for both Jordanian domestic stability and regional dynamics are assessed, emphasizing the kingdom’s strategic importance to U.S. interests in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the potential implementation of Trump’s proposal to dislocate Palestinians from Gaza into Jordan poses severe risks not only for Jordan’s internal stability but also for U.S. geopolitical interests. Jordan has a history replete with challenges associated with refugee absorption, and imposing further pressures could lead to destabilization, with far-reaching consequences for the entire region. Maintaining Jordan’s stability is essential for U.S. objectives in the Middle East; thus, caution is warranted regarding any forced relocation initiatives.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
