In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, Jordan has firmly stated its inability to accommodate additional refugees.
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that with 35% of Jordan’s population already comprising refugees, the nation cannot accept more.
“Just to answer you unequivocally, 35% of our population are refugees, we cannot afford any more, we cannot have Palestinians coming to Jordan. They don’t want to come to Jordan and we don’t want them to come to Jordan,” Safadi said.
He stated, “We cannot have Palestinians coming to Jordan. They don’t want to come to Jordan, and we don’t want them to come to Jordan.”
Earlier this month, President Trump suggested a plan to “clean out” Gaza by relocating its Palestinian residents to Jordan and Egypt, a proposal that has been met with widespread disapproval from Arab nations.
In response, Arab countries are collaboratively developing an alternative plan aimed at reconstructing Gaza without displacing its inhabitants. This initiative seeks to ensure security and effective governance within the region.
King Abdullah II of Jordan, during his visit to Washington on February 11, reiterated his country’s opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.
He conveyed to President Trump that the Arab-led proposal would be more cost-effective and swiftly implementable compared to the U.S. plan.
The King emphasized the importance of regional stability, stating that for Israel to achieve lasting peace and security, its neighbors must also experience peace and security.
The Arab proposal, primarily spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza through a Gulf-led fund.
This plan aims to sideline Hamas and establish a governance structure that includes international participation, moving towards a two-state solution.
“We are working on an Arab proposal that will show that we can rebuild Gaza without displacing its people, that we can have a plan that will guarantee security and governance.
“Israelis also have to think long-term. For it to live in peace and security, its neighbours need to live in peace and security,” Safadi said.
Egypt has also expressed its disapproval of the U.S. proposal. An emerging Egyptian plan suggests forming a national Palestinian committee to govern Gaza, with international involvement in reconstruction efforts.
This approach aligns with the broader Arab consensus that emphasizes the necessity of addressing the humanitarian situation within Gaza and the West Bank, without resorting to relocating its residents.
