Wed Feb 12 16:49:19 UTC 2025: ## Egypt and Jordan Face Trump’s Ultimatum: Accept Palestinian Refugees or Lose US Aid

**Cairo/Amman –** The US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, potentially using US aid as leverage, has sparked a major regional crisis. Egypt and Jordan, long-standing recipients of substantial US aid, face a stark choice: accept a potentially destabilizing influx of refugees or risk severe economic consequences.

Trump’s plan, reiterated after a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, has been met with strong rejection from both countries. While King Abdullah offered a symbolic gesture of accepting 2,000 sick children, both Cairo and Amman have firmly opposed the broader proposal, leading Egypt to call an emergency Arab Summit to formulate a counter-strategy.

Decades of US aid have deeply intertwined the economies of Egypt and Jordan with the United States. Egypt receives over $1.4 billion annually in military aid, while Jordan receives $1.72 billion in bilateral assistance. This funding is crucial for both nations, supporting essential ministries, water security, and bolstering regional stability. For Jordan, the recent $770 million cut in USAID economic aid has already created significant strain.

The potential for a massive influx of Palestinian refugees poses existential threats to Jordan, given its existing Palestinian population, and significant stability concerns for Egypt. Faced with this ultimatum, both countries are exploring alternative funding sources. This could involve increased cooperation with Gulf states, who oppose Trump’s plan, or even engagement with countries like China and Russia.

However, analysts warn that even with alternative funding, completely replacing US aid would be challenging, potentially leading to austerity measures and social unrest. The impact on security forces, heavily reliant on US aid, could also be significant. This high-stakes situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the potential for a major realignment of alliances.

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