How Will Arab States Respond to Trump’s Plan to Displace Palestinians?

The recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his plan to seize control of Gaza have sent shockwaves globally, particularly across the Arab and Islamic world. Trump’s proposed strategy to push Egypt and Jordan into accepting displaced Palestinians has been met with fierce opposition from both countries, reaffirming their outright rejection of such a move.

Just days ago, Trump publicly stated that he is pressuring Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations to take in more Palestinian refugees under the pretext of “cleansing Gaza.” This declaration was immediately condemned by Cairo, Amman, and multiple Arab and Islamic organizations, which saw it as a blatant violation of Palestinian rights and sovereignty.

Despite the strong resistance from both Egypt and Jordan, Trump has reiterated his stance multiple times, confidently asserting that these countries would ultimately comply, stating: “We do so much for them, and they will do this.”

On Tuesday evening, during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump shocked the international community by declaring that the U.S. intends to take control of Gaza. This alarming statement triggered widespread rejection from nations around the world.

Following his meeting with Netanyahu at the White House, Trump declared: “The United States will take charge of Gaza, and we will undertake a mission there as well.” He further claimed that his administration plans to implement an economic development initiative in Gaza aimed at providing “an unlimited number of jobs and housing for the people of the region.”

Trump also alleged that Gaza, once under U.S. control and development, could become the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He did not rule out deploying American troops to support Gaza’s reconstruction and even suggested that the U.S. would maintain “long-term ownership” of the region.

Saudi Arabia and the Normalization File

Trump also touched on the issue of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, claiming that Riyadh is willing to make peace without demanding the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, Saudi officials have consistently maintained that the kingdom will not engage in diplomatic ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established. In response to Trump’s comments, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering stance, making it clear that its position is neither negotiable nor subject to external bargaining.

Trump’s persistent disregard for Arab opposition to his Gaza strategy has heightened concerns within regional political circles. Analysts have warned of the grave implications of his proposals, which they interpret as “aggressive intentions” against the Palestinian cause and a direct threat to Egypt, Jordan, and the wider region.

Analysts Warn of Dangerous Consequences

Political analyst Mahmoud Alloush stated that “Trump’s plan for Gaza reveals his hostile intentions toward the Palestinian cause.” He emphasized that “these intentions not only endanger Palestine but also pose a serious threat to Egypt, Jordan, and the entire Middle East.”

Speaking to Sunna Files Website, Alloush argued that regional countries must be prepared for Trump’s aggressive approach to Palestine should he return to office.

Meanwhile, political analyst Ibrahim Al-Madhoun pointed out that “Trump operates under the assumption that Arab states function under U.S. directives and will comply with his demands without resistance. However, this is a flawed reading of today’s geopolitical landscape.” He added that “Arab nations are increasingly recognizing their own interests and asserting their independence. They are not mere pawns in Washington’s hands.”

Al-Madhoun believes that Trump may be in for a surprise as some Arab states push back more forcefully than anticipated. He noted that “the responses to Trump’s actions might defy his expectations, especially given the growing political autonomy of certain countries in the region.”

How Will the Arab World React to Trump’s Plan?

Alloush stressed that Egypt and Jordan are primary targets of this scheme and have no option but to resist, despite potential consequences. He explained that “while opposing Trump’s plan might come with repercussions, these risks are far less severe than the dangers of surrendering to such a proposal.”

He further argued that “Egypt and Jordan cannot effectively counter Trump’s strategy without robust regional support.” Similarly, Al-Madhoun emphasized that the broader Arab position remains firm against forced displacement, rejecting any resolution to the Palestinian issue that comes at the expense of neighboring Arab nations.

“Neither Netanyahu nor Trump will find any success in marketing these projects,” Al-Madhoun asserted, highlighting that the primary obstacle remains the steadfast Palestinian people and their unwavering attachment to their homeland. He also pointed out that Arab states view such plans as “long-term strategic threats that cannot be tolerated.”

Jordan, in particular, perceives this as an existential threat, firmly rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians from either the West Bank or Gaza. A recent report by Middle East Eye revealed that Jordan is even prepared to go to war if Palestinians are forcibly pushed across its borders.

The British outlet quoted sources in Amman and Jerusalem confirming that Jordan is prioritizing a peaceful resolution but would close its borders should a mass influx of refugees occur. A Jordanian official warned, “If Israel attempts to force open our borders, it will be a cause for war.”

Silence from the Gulf States

Al-Madhoun noted that Gulf nations have remained silent on Trump’s statements, largely because they have not been asked to accept Palestinian refugees. However, he speculated that if such a demand were made, Gulf states would also reject it outright.

Alloush suggested that if Trump escalates pressure on Egypt and Jordan, the two nations have ways to resist but would need substantial Arab support. He warned that “Trump may resort to economic sanctions or financial penalties, leveraging the fact that Egypt and Jordan rely heavily on U.S. aid and military support.”

However, Alloush argued that Gulf states could counterbalance any potential American pressure by providing economic assistance to Egypt and Jordan, ensuring that they do not succumb to U.S. coercion.

Trump’s ‘Grand Bargain’ and the Palestinian Question

Alloush described Trump as a “man of grand deals rather than small negotiations.” He noted that both Trump and Netanyahu are aware that forcibly controlling Gaza or expelling its residents is unrealistic. He speculated that Trump’s statements may be part of a larger negotiation strategy aimed at securing a broader Middle East agreement, possibly exchanging the abandonment of displacement plans for Saudi-Israeli normalization.

Similarly, Al-Madhoun dismissed the feasibility of forced displacement, stating that Trump continues to “misread the complexities of the Arab political landscape.” He compared this situation to Trump’s failed “Deal of the Century” during his first term, asserting that his latest proposal is equally difficult to implement.

Arab States Must Act Now

Al-Madhoun called on Arab nations to take concrete action to support Gaza rather than merely rejecting Trump’s plan. He stated that “it is unacceptable to oppose displacement while failing to provide aid. Delays in lifting the siege, allowing humanitarian relief, and facilitating reconstruction are inconsistent with genuine solidarity.”

He urged Egypt and Jordan to bolster Gaza’s resilience, lift the blockade immediately, and open Gaza to the world to help ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Serious Regional Consequences

Alloush warned that any attempt to expel Gaza’s residents would have catastrophic repercussions for the Palestinian cause and the region as a whole. He urged Arab leaders to recognize Trump’s vision as a direct threat to their nations, stating that “this is not just about Palestine—it is a wider agenda that aims to strengthen Israeli dominance at the expense of Arab sovereignty.”

He cautioned that Trump’s statements send a dangerous signal to the region: “There are no limits to Israeli expansionism.” He pointed out that Israel has already occupied parts of southern Lebanon during the ongoing conflict, as well as territories in Syria, and is showing no intention of withdrawing.

“Historically, Israel has never willingly relinquished land it has occupied,” he stressed, concluding that Trump’s aggressive policies should serve as a wake-up call for Arab states to reassess their strategic stance on the Palestinian issue and U.S. foreign policy.