DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that Egypt and Jordan should accept Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza have been met with strong opposition from both nations and the Palestinian authorities. There is a deep-seated concern that such resettlement would hinder the prospects of refugees ever returning to their homeland in Israel.
During a discussion on Saturday, Trump proposed that he would encourage leaders in both Egypt and Jordan to offer refuge to the largely displaced population of Gaza, amounting to around 2.3 million people. He emphasized the severe destruction in Gaza, referring to it as akin to a demolition site, and suggested the establishment of housing in alternative locations where the people could live in stability.
The radical plan received backlash from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stating that his government’s stance against the proposal was unequivocal. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, warning that such resettlement would only serve to exacerbate regional tensions and jeopardize peace efforts and coexistence.
While there was no immediate feedback from Israeli officials, some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have long advocated for what they loosely term voluntary emigration of Palestinians and the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza. Interestingly enough, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an essential player in Netanyahu’s coalition, praised Trump’s suggestion as an excellent idea.
Human rights organizations have expressed grave concerns regarding the implications of Israel’s actions regarding Palestinians, labeling it as ethnic cleansing. United Nations experts have pointed out that the systematic removal of civilians by one group from different territories qualifies as such alarming practices. Omar Shakir, the Human Rights Watch’s director overseeing Israel and Palestine, warned that implementing Trump’s idea could dramatically escalate the existing ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian populace.
The issue of Palestinians being displaced dates back to the 1948 Israeli War, during which around 700,000 Palestinians fled their homes. This event is commemorated by Palestinians as the Nakba, or catastrophe. Israel has historically barred these refugees from returning as it would lead to a Palestinian majority within its borders. Today, there are approximately 6 million refugees, with significant populations in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Following the 1967 Middle East war, around 300,000 more Palestinians were displaced predominantly into Jordan, further complicating the longstanding refugee crisis.
Many Palestinians view the current situation in Gaza, particularly the destruction of entire neighborhoods, as reminiscent of the Nakba. The loss of homes and displacement has left them apprehensive that permanent relocation would mean a loss of their right to return.
Both Egypt and Jordan have consistently rejected the notion of accepting refugees from Gaza, with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warning that such a move would pose severe security threats, particularly concerning the movement of militant groups. He articulated fears that integrating Palestinians into Egypt could lead to a scenario where future conflicts might take place on Egyptian soil, thus jeopardizing the historic peace treaty with Israel.
Historically, conflicts involving the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in Lebanon during the 1970s led to extensive violence and instability, providing a cautionary lesson for both Jordan and Egypt regarding unwanted refugee settlements. Jordan, which has previously expelled the PLO, currently hosts over 2 million Palestinian refugees, many of whom have integrated into society as citizens.
The potential for Trump to pressure Egypt and Jordan into accepting refugees remains uncertain. It hinges on the seriousness of his proposition and the extent to which he may exert economic pressures, such as tariffs or sanctions, which could have dire economic implications for both countries. At the same time, they are also managing existing large populations of migrants from other conflict zones.
Ultimately, the balancing act of U.S. influence in the region is precarious. Pressuring these key allies could alienate them, further complicating diplomatic efforts to foster relations between Israel and other Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia. Trump previously sought to normalize relations between Israel and these states and aims to further this initiative during his current tenure.
