Former President Donald Trump wants Egypt and Jordan to let in Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He floated this proposal in hopes of easing Gaza’s crisis and allowing its 2.3 million inhabitants to find temporary—or even permanent—relief elsewhere. Yet both Egypt and Jordan rejected the plan, echoing Palestinian leaders’ concerns that refugees might never return to their homeland. They warned that mass relocation could destabilize the region and undermine any chance for lasting peace.
Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, affirmed that his country’s stance against absorbing Gaza’s displaced citizens remains “firm and unwavering.” Egypt’s foreign ministry also denounced the idea, claiming it “risks expanding the conflict” by disrupting established regional dynamics. Human rights groups cautioned that any forced movement of civilians could lead to escalated accusations of ethnic cleansing.
Why Egypt and Jordan Refuse to Accept Refugees
Both nations worry that granting large-scale entry to Palestinians would derail efforts toward a two-state solution. Egypt already supports millions of migrants, and Jordan hosts over two million Palestinian refugees. Additional arrivals from Gaza might stretch resources and threaten internal stability. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi raised security concerns about militant groups crossing into the Sinai Peninsula, which could reignite conflict on Egyptian land.
Meanwhile, Palestinians fear permanent expulsion from their ancestral territory. Historical events, such as the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 Mideast War, saw hundreds of thousands flee. Many never returned. Trump’s proposal seems to mirror those unsettling chapters, prompting renewed anxiety among Palestinians who remain committed to their right of return.
Financial pressure from the United States could factor into any push to relocate Gaza’s population. Yet both Egypt and Jordan rely heavily on regional stability and existing peace treaties. If they concede to external demands, they risk undermining the delicate balance that sustains their nations. Trump’s idea also complicates ongoing diplomatic efforts, such as potential normalization deals between Israel and Arab states, which hinge on preserving order rather than uprooting more lives.
In the end, the widespread objection to this proposal highlights a deeply fraught situation. For many Palestinians, safeguarding their land remains central to their identity, while for Egypt and Jordan, maintaining stability overrides the possibility of accepting a massive influx of refugees.
