King Abdullah II’s diplomatic efforts highlight Jordan’s acceptance of 2,000 critically ill children from Gaza, while he avoids endorsing Trump’s plan for Palestinian relocation. With a significant Palestinian population, Jordan fears the long-term consequences of forced displacement and the strain on its resources, especially amid financial aid threats from the U.S. Similarly, Egypt faces pressure to manage Palestinian relocation amidst its own economic struggles, as both leaders balance domestic stability with international expectations.
King Abdullah II’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
During a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, Jordan’s King Abdullah II found himself navigating a complex diplomatic landscape. In an effort to showcase goodwill, the king announced Jordan’s readiness to accept 2,000 critically ill children from the Gaza Strip. However, he refrained from clearly endorsing Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate all Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing the need for coordination with other Arab nations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
As the leader of a nation where over half the population boasts Palestinian heritage, King Abdullah II has firmly opposed the forced relocation of Palestinians. This stance is driven by multiple concerns. He, along with many Jordanians, fears that once Palestinians leave, they may never be allowed to return to their homeland. Additionally, the influx of refugees from Gaza could heighten internal tensions within Jordan, a nation that has already welcomed about one million refugees, primarily from Syria and Iraq.
The Economic Implications of Refugee Policies
Jordan’s reliance on foreign financial aid places it in a precarious position. The United States has historically provided over $1.4 billion annually to support Jordan’s military, state budget, and humanitarian initiatives. However, Trump’s recent remarks about potentially withholding this aid have raised alarms. While he later softened his rhetoric during the meeting with Abdullah, the threat of financial repercussions looms large.
The freezing of global financial aid for 90 days has already resulted in job losses and economic strain for many Jordanians. Should Jordan refuse to accept Palestinians from Gaza, the consequences could be dire for its population, forcing them to seek assistance from other nations. Meanwhile, Washington risks losing a key ally in the Middle East, where nearly 4,000 U.S. troops are stationed.
Egypt is also feeling the pressure from the U.S. regarding the relocation of Palestinians. Trump has hinted at freezing financial assistance to Cairo, which has received about $1.5 billion in aid this year, primarily for military purposes. The Egyptian government, grappling with a severe economic crisis and rising poverty levels, faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining domestic stability and adhering to foreign demands.
Ultimately, both King Abdullah II and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are navigating a complex web of domestic and international pressures, as they seek to address the implications of the Palestinian issue while ensuring the stability of their respective regimes.