Cairo: A recent proposal by US President Donald Trump to displace Palestinians from Gaza and relocate them to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt has ignited widespread concerns among political analysts and Middle Eastern leaders over potential ethnic cleansing.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump's comments describing Gaza as a 'demolition site' and expressing his intention to 'just clean out' the Palestinian enclave have been met with strong resistance. Both Jordan and Egypt have immediately rejected the controversial proposal, which includes the resettlement of Palestinians within their borders. Despite Trump's claim of discussing the matter with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egyptian officials have denied any such conversation.
Mirette Mabrouk from the Middle East Institute emphasized Trump's seriousness, stating that the President's outreach to regional leaders indicates significant pressure from Washington. Mabrouk noted that similar calls to Jordan's King Abdullah II signal a direct demand from the US, posing difficult choices for the regional leaders.
These developments occur amid sensitive US-Middle East relations, with Mabrouk highlighting the precarious situation facing Jordan and Egypt. She argued that the consequences of agreeing to Trump's plan could be more severe than refusing it.
Trump's proposal has drawn attention to long-standing Israeli plans for Gaza, with Israeli leaders like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich working alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to align with Trump's vision. Mabrouk pointed out that the idea of relocating Palestinians is not new and aligns with far-right Israeli ambitions to expand settlements.
Waleed Hazbun from the University of Alabama suggested that Trump's proposal might serve as a bargaining tool, though its implications remain uncertain. Hazbun warned of the troubling rhetoric surrounding the displacement and the potential for real estate development in Gaza, echoing past discussions by Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Economic pressures also play a critical role, as both Jordan and Egypt rely heavily on US aid. Hazbun noted the dependency of these countries on American support, while Mabrouk clarified the specifics of Egypt's military aid, emphasizing the economic leverage the US holds.
Political instability is another concern, with Hazbun cautioning that Jordan and Egypt have limited options to resist US pressure. He highlighted the risk of regional destabilization and the influence of other powers, particularly Saudi Arabia, on the situation.
The proposal has raised fears of ethnic cleansing, drawing parallels to the Nakba, the 1948 displacement of Palestinians. Mabrouk warned of the dire consequences for displaced Palestinians, predicting a permanent loss of their right to return. Hazbun echoed these concerns, noting the internal political and security challenges Jordan and Egypt face in accepting displaced populations.