Trump Threatens to Withhold Aid to Jordan and Egypt Over Palestinian Relocation Plan

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy with his recent threat to halt aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinians, following his proposal to relocate Gaza residents to these countries. This development has intensified the already tense political climate in the Middle East, as both nations have rejected the plan, citing concerns over Palestinian rights.

Trump's Threat and the Gaza Relocation Plan

In an interview with Fox News, President Trump stated that he would consider withholding aid from Jordan and Egypt if they did not agree to his proposal of relocating Palestinians from Gaza. This comes after Egypt's firm rejection of any compromise that would infringe on the rights of Palestinians. Trump's proposal suggests that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza, a stark contrast to earlier statements from his own officials, who had suggested that the relocation would be temporary.

The United States provides significant aid to both Jordan and Egypt. According to 2024 data, Egypt receives $214 million from the US, while Jordan receives $1.3 billion annually. Despite this, both countries have rejected Trump's plan. Jordan is home to more than 2.39 million registered Palestinian refugees, many of whom hold full citizenship, while Egypt has also hosted a significant number of displaced Palestinians over the decades.

The Palestinian Question and Regional Implications

The Palestinian issue remains a central and divisive topic in the region. Trump’s relocation proposal comes as the number of displaced Palestinians continues to grow, particularly in Egypt and Jordan. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for an emergency Arab Summit on February 27 to discuss the serious developments concerning Palestinians, signaling regional concern over the potential consequences of such a plan.

Both Jordan and Egypt have historically hosted large numbers of Palestinians, and their rejection of Trump's plan highlights the sensitive nature of the issue. The potential relocation of Palestinians could strain the political and social dynamics in both countries, which already host substantial Palestinian populations.

United Nations Suspends Operations in Yemen

Meanwhile, the United Nations has been forced to suspend its humanitarian operations in Yemen’s northern Saada Province following the detention of eight UN staff members by Houthi rebels. This suspension marks a significant setback for the UN’s humanitarian efforts in Yemen, a country already grappling with a protracted civil war and a humanitarian crisis.

The decision to pause operations comes after months of escalating violence and a lack of security guarantees, further complicating efforts to provide assistance to millions of Yemenis in need. The UN’s ability to operate in rebel-controlled areas of Yemen has been severely restricted, raising concerns about the future of humanitarian aid in the region.

Conclusion: The Middle East at a Crossroads

The political situation in the Middle East is at a crucial juncture, with President Trump’s Gaza relocation plan adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflicts in the region. The rejection of the plan by Jordan and Egypt, combined with the UN’s suspension of operations in Yemen, paints a picture of an increasingly unstable region. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the broader Middle East, and whether the international community will step in to mediate a peaceful resolution.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation continues to evolve.