President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may withhold financial assistance to Jordan and Egypt if they decline to accept Palestinian refugees from the Gaza Strip.
This proposal is part of a broader plan in which the U.S. would assume control over Gaza, aiming to redevelop it into a prosperous area referred to by Trump as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Under this plan, Palestinians relocated to neighboring countries would not have the right to return to Gaza, with the U.S. envisioning the creation of improved housing for them in these host nations.
In a recent interview, when asked whether he would consider withholding aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refused to accept Palestinian refugees,
President Trump responded affirmatively, stating, “Yeah, maybe. Sure, why not? If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid. Yeah.”
Both Jordan and Egypt have expressed strong opposition to this proposal. Jordan, which already hosts a significant Palestinian population, has raised concerns that accepting more refugees could destabilize the country and undermine the pursuit of a two-state solution.
Similarly, Egypt has rejected the idea, citing security concerns and the potential for increased tensions in the region.
The potential withholding of U.S. aid places significant pressure on these nations, both of which are among the largest recipients of American military and economic assistance.
In 2023, Jordan received approximately $1.69 billion, while Egypt was allocated $1.5 billion in U.S. foreign assistance.
This development comes as President Trump is scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House.
The meeting is expected to address the proposed resettlement plan and the potential implications for U.S. aid to Jordan.
The proposal has been met with widespread criticism from Arab nations and could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
Critics argue that forcibly relocating Palestinians and denying them the right to return constitutes ethnic cleansing and violates international law.
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the potential impacts on regional stability and the longstanding relationships between the United States and its Middle Eastern allies.
