Breaking News: President Trump said he could cut aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refused his demand to take in Palestinians from Gaza his proposal would forcibly displace.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, President Donald Trump has announced that the United States may withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees displaced from the Gaza Strip.

This proposal is part of a broader plan that envisions the relocation of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents, followed by the redevelopment of the area into what Trump describes as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Trump Says He Could Cut Aid to Jordan and Egypt Over Gaza Development Plan - The New York Times

The announcement was made during a press briefing at the White House, where President Trump expressed his frustration over the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

He issued an ultimatum, stating that if all Israeli hostages held in Gaza are not released by midday Saturday, he would propose canceling the ceasefire, effectively “letting hell break out.” This statement comes in the wake of Hamas delaying further hostage releases, citing alleged ceasefire violations by Israel.

Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians has been met with immediate and vehement opposition from both Jordan and Egypt.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II has firmly rejected any plans that would result in the displacement of Palestinians into his country, emphasizing that “Jordan is Jordan, and Palestine is Palestine.”

Similarly, Egypt has expressed concerns that an influx of Palestinian refugees could destabilize the region and undermine the nation’s security.

The potential withholding of U.S. aid places both nations in a precarious position. The United States has long been a significant contributor of foreign aid to both Jordan and Egypt, with funds supporting various sectors, including military, economic development, and infrastructure projects.

For instance, Egypt has been one of the largest recipients of U.S. military aid since its peace treaty with Israel in 1979, receiving approximately $1.3 billion annually. Jordan, too, relies heavily on U.S. assistance, having secured a seven-year memorandum of understanding in 2022 that provides $1.45 billion in annual aid.

The proposed relocation plan has also drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which have labeled it as a form of ethnic cleansing. Experts argue that forcibly displacing an entire population violates international law and could lead to long-term instability in the region.

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned against any actions that could be construed as ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

Worst nightmare': Egypt and Jordan put in impossible bind by Trump Gaza plan | Israel-Gaza war | The Guardian

Within the United States, reactions to Trump’s proposal have been mixed. Some lawmakers have expressed support, viewing it as a bold move to reshape the Middle East and secure Israel’s safety.

Others, however, have raised concerns about the ethical and legal implications of forcibly relocating a population and the potential backlash against U.S. interests in the region.

The Israeli government has shown some support for the plan, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing interest in the redevelopment aspect of Gaza. However, there are differing views within Israel regarding the feasibility and morality of the forced relocation of Palestinians.

As the Saturday deadline approaches, the international community watches with bated breath. The potential collapse of the ceasefire, coupled with the contentious relocation proposal, threatens to plunge the region into further turmoil.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to find a resolution that addresses the humanitarian concerns of the Palestinian population while maintaining regional stability.

In conclusion, President Trump’s proposal to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt unless they accept Palestinian refugees marks a significant and controversial shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

The plan has been met with widespread opposition and raises complex ethical, legal, and geopolitical questions that the international community must grapple with in the coming days.