US President Donald Trump has suggested he may “conceivably” cut aid to Egypt and Jordan if the two countries refuse to accept Palestinians, as part of a controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to these nations. Trump raised the possibility during a discussion with reporters at the White House, where he emphasized that aid could be withheld if both countries do not comply with the relocation proposal.
When asked about convincing Jordan’s king to accept more Palestinians, Trump expressed confidence, stating, “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will also. They have good hearts.”
The threat of withholding aid to Egypt and Jordan followed Trump’s earlier remarks, where he warned of canceling the ceasefire in Gaza unless hostages were released by a specific deadline. His stance on the Palestinian right of return also became clear when he stated that Palestinians displaced from Gaza would not be allowed to return, which contradicted comments from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested the relocation would be temporary.
Regarding the occupied West Bank, Trump clarified that he has “no plans” for the area, noting that it is a different situation, as Palestinians are already there.
In response to Trump’s plan, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated that Arab nations, including Egypt, firmly oppose the proposed relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. He stressed the need for rebuilding Gaza while Palestinians remain in the region and emphasized support for a just and comprehensive peace process. Abdelatty also expressed hopes of collaborating with the incoming US administration to bring stability to the region.
Trump’s plan has sparked widespread international condemnation, with leaders warning it could destabilize the region.
