During his meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House today, Donald Trump is anticipated to encounter strong opposition. This meeting marks their first since the US president suggested relocating Gaza’s population to Jordan.
Jordan, a crucial ally of the US, is navigating a delicate balance between its military and diplomatic alliances and the support for Palestinians among its population. These existing fault lines, strained by the Gaza War, are now approaching their breaking point due to Trump’s proposals for peace in Gaza.
Expanding on his initial proposal, Trump has expressed that Gazans should be relocated to Jordan and Egypt, stating in an interview with a Fox News anchor that they would not have the right to return home. Such a plan, if implemented, would violate international laws.
Moreover, Trump hinted at the possibility of withholding aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees. Among the staunchest opponents of relocating Gazans to Jordan are the Gazans who had previously sought refuge there.
Approximately 45,000 individuals reside in the Gaza Camp near the northern town of Jerash in Jordan, one of several Palestinian refugee camps in the region. Families in this camp have their origins in Gaza, specifically in Jabalia, Rafah, and Beit Hanoun, with many having left following the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
A resident of the camp, 60-year-old Maher Azazi, criticized Trump, labeling him as an arrogant narcissist with an outdated mentality. He emphasized that Gazans today are determined to stay in their homeland, even if faced with immense challenges.
The article also highlights the historical context of displacement experienced by Palestinians and their strong attachment to their land. Additionally, it discusses the impact of refugee influxes on Jordan, with native Jordanians feeling the strain of increased unemployment and poverty.
Imad Abdallah and his friend Hassan, both struggling day laborers, shared their concerns about the worsening economic situation in Jordan due to successive wars in neighboring countries and the inflow of refugees. Imad emphasized the challenges he faces in providing for his family amid job scarcity.
Overall, the proposal to relocate Gazans to Jordan has stirred significant political tensions and raised important humanitarian and economic considerations in the region.
In a region plagued by uncertainty, the people of Jordan find themselves caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions. The absence of job opportunities has left many struggling to make ends meet, with poverty and hunger looming over their daily lives. The looming threat of Gazans seeking refuge in Jordan has only added to the sense of desperation, as one local lamented, “If Gazans come, we will die.”
Adding fuel to the fire is the pressure exerted by the United States, a key military ally of Jordan. President Trump’s decision to suspend over $1.5 billion in aid annually has sent shockwaves through the Jordanian government. As the specter of a showdown between the new US administration and local political leaders looms large, tensions are running high.
Jawad Anani, a former deputy prime minister with close ties to the Jordanian government, has issued a stark warning to President Trump. King Abdullah’s message, to be delivered during a White House meeting, will emphasize Jordan’s stance against any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homes in Gaza and the West Bank. Anani minced no words, declaring that such actions would be viewed as criminal acts. Furthermore, any efforts to push displaced individuals into Jordan would be considered a declaration of war.
Even in the hypothetical scenario of Gazans choosing to relocate voluntarily under a broader Middle East initiative, doubts persist. Anani emphasized the lack of trust, particularly in light of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s involvement. The prevailing sentiment is one of skepticism, with Anani pointing out the inherent lack of faith in promises made by Netanyahu and his government.
President Trump’s unwavering commitment to his vision for Gaza poses a significant dilemma for Jordan, a crucial US ally in the region. Recent protests against Trump’s proposals have underscored the deep-seated apprehension among Jordanians. The country’s strategic importance, hosting US military bases and serving as a haven for millions of refugees, is not lost on those closely monitoring the situation. The delicate balance of security cooperation with Israel, aimed at thwarting smuggling activities into the occupied West Bank, hangs in the balance.
For Jordan, stability is not just a luxury—it is a superpower in its own right. The specter of internal unrest serves as both a potent weapon and a formidable defense mechanism. Any threats to Jordan’s stability reverberate far beyond its borders, impacting its allies and strategic partners alike.
As the region grapples with political upheaval and economic uncertainty, Jordan finds itself at a critical juncture. The looming shadow of displacement, coupled with external pressures from the US, underscores the complexities facing this nation at the crossroads of conflicting interests. The stakes are high, and the choices ahead are fraught with profound implications for Jordan and its allies.
Additional reporting by Mohamed Madi, BBC News.
