Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II have firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that Arab nations should accept displaced Palestinians from the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, el-Sisi stated, “Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security.” He called any forced relocation of Palestinians an “injustice in which we cannot participate.”
Jordan’s Firm Stand
Later that day, King Abdullah II reaffirmed Jordan’s position during meetings in Brussels, emphasizing that “Palestinians must remain on their land.” A statement from the royal palace reiterated Jordan’s commitment to a two-state solution and the protection of Palestinian rights.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed these sentiments, declaring, “Jordan is for Jordanians and Palestine is for Palestinians.”
War’s Impact on Gaza
Since Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in October 2023 following Hamas-led attacks, nearly all of the 2.2 million residents have been displaced at least once. The war has claimed over 47,400 Palestinian lives, according to local health authorities, and destroyed vast portions of civilian infrastructure.
Trump’s Controversial Proposal
Following the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Trump reiterated his belief that Gaza’s population should be relocated to “safer” areas such as Egypt or Jordan. He suggested the move could be “temporary or long-term.”
However, regional leaders and Palestinians have consistently opposed displacement, warning that such a move would undermine Palestinian statehood and escalate instability in the Middle East.
Historical Fears of Displacement
Displacement has been a recurring issue in Palestinian history, with many fearing that if they leave Gaza, they may never be allowed to return. Arab nations have warned that any forced migration would mirror the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the creation of Israel.
Both Egypt and Jordan maintain peace agreements with Israel but continue to support Palestinian statehood, fearing that permanent displacement could further delay a resolution to the decades-long conflict.
US Ties and Military Aid
Despite their opposition to Trump’s plan, Egypt and Jordan remain key US allies. Egypt, in particular, receives $1.3 billion in annual US military assistance, which was recently exempted from a broader US foreign aid freeze.
As tensions continue, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.
