ITrump Warns of Cutting Aid to Egypt and Jordan Over Gaza Plans
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. will stop its aid to Egypt and Jordan if they do not accept his plan regarding Gaza. Last Tuesday, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated that the U.S. would take control of Gaza and relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Both Egypt and Jordan have opposed this proposal. Speaking to the press at the White House on Monday, Trump said that if these countries do not agree, the U.S. may cut military and financial aid to them.
“If they don’t agree, I could stop the aid,” Trump said.
Jordan’s King Abdullah is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington today to deliver a message on behalf of Arab nations. This meeting comes a day after Trump’s warning to cut off aid.
Gaza Ceasefire at Risk
Trump also warned that if Hamas does not release all hostages as agreed in the first phase of the ceasefire by Saturday, the ceasefire would be broken. Hamas had delayed the release, claiming that Israel violated the ceasefire terms, which Trump said could lead to further destruction.
Trump’s plan for Gaza has faced opposition within the U.S. and from Arab nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Trump not to engage in ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
“We must not complicate the issue further while seeking a solution. It is crucial to adhere to international legal standards and avoid any form of ethnic cleansing,” Guterres said during a meeting with UN committee members on Wednesday.
He also emphasized the need to reaffirm support for a two-state solution.
While Guterres did not directly mention Trump, his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said that the comments could be seen as a response to Trump’s proposal.
Global Opposition to Trump’s Gaza Plan
Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and all Arab nations have rejected Trump’s announcement. Hamas called it “ridiculous and absurd,” stating that it would break the peace in Gaza and create more tension.
Trump had said last Tuesday that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, destroy all dangerous bombs and weapons there, and develop the area. When asked by CNN reporters if this meant sending U.S. troops to Gaza, Trump did not deny the possibility.
“We will do what is necessary. If needed, we can do that. We will take control of Gaza and develop it,” Trump said, according to CNN.
Trump added that once the U.S. takes control of Gaza, it would lead to long-term stability in the entire Middle East.
After the ceasefire was declared, many people returned to their homes in Gaza, but Trump stated that it is not the right time for Palestinians to return.
“Gaza is in ruins. It’s not fit to live in. Why are people returning? It would be better for them to live in other countries in the Middle East,” Trump said.
Trump also took credit for the ceasefire and the release of hostages, stating that his arrival as president had increased pressure on Israel and Hamas.
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