Trumps Gaza relocation plan faces backlash from Jordan, Egypt

Sharjah24 - AFP: Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gazans to Egypt and Jordan is being criticized by Jordanian analysts as a "hostile" move against these two U.S. allies, with the intention of "liquidating the Palestinian cause." The U.S. president recently suggested "cleaning out" Gaza after months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has left the Palestinian territory devastated. Trump proposed working with Arab nations to build housing for displaced Gazans, which could be a temporary or long-term solution.

Jordan's Stance on Palestinian Refugees

Jordan, which already hosts 2.3 million Palestinian refugees, has firmly rejected any project that would turn the kingdom into an "alternative homeland" for Palestinians. This proposal, if implemented, could lead to further displacement of Palestinians, particularly from the occupied West Bank, to Jordan. The prospect of displacing Palestinians from Gaza evokes painful memories of the 1948 "Nakba," when many Palestinians were displaced during Israel's creation.

Regional Concerns and Rejections

The proposal follows a U.S. freeze on foreign aid, except to Egypt and Israel. Egypt has already warned against forced displacement of Palestinians into the Sinai Desert and rejected any infringement on Palestinians' "inalienable rights." Jordan's King Abdullah II has made it clear that there will be no "judaisation of Jerusalem," no resettlement of Palestinians, and no alternative homeland.