On Jordan’s handling of the displacement issue

The storm over the scheme to displace the people of Gaza continues to intensify. But the question of displacement is not a decision but a drastic shift in the region the elements to implement it are not available. 

Gaza is still under the threat of war, and what is happening so far is a temporary ceasefire and humanitarian steps taking the forms of prisoner exchanges and the entry of relief aid and materials into the Strip that the people there need to remove the rubble and resettle themselves in their areas, even if their homes are destroyed.

Jordan is a target of the displacement, and is fully aware of the scheme’s consequences, be it from Gaza or the West Bank. Jordan had a clear and declared stance before US President Donald Trump came to the White House. But with the announcement of the new displacement project, Jordan has set forth a course of action to address its consequences based on the following:

First: Unnegotiable and firm rejection of the notion of displacement, especially if it is directed towards Jordan. This position is not a tactical move but a strategic one because displacement to Jordan is an act of war against our national identity and the political structure of the state. It is also a scheme aimed at liquidating the Palestinian cause. The position is fundamental, with no room for maneuvering in its essence or details.

Second: Forming a strong Arab position to address the project and entering into a political battle with the US administration based on rejecting displacement and putting together a plan to deal with post-war Gaza. This plan entails keeping the people of Gaza on their land through a phased reconstruction, with the most important aspects being rebuilding homes and infrastructure. The reconstruction plan is accompanied by proposal for a political track that would involve a peace process granting the Palestinians their rights. This Arab stance is the most important line of defense in dealing with the US administration. This has been achieved through strong coordination between Arab countries, most notably Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and the UAE.

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Third: Creating a rejection lobby within American institutions and in Europe and other influential countries: During His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Washington, Jordan's stance was made clear. Despite attempts by some "brothers" to distort the King's position, as it was expected and often seen in every crisis, especially as they have their “dealers” within us, the King succeeded in confirming Jordan’s position and highlighting the dangers of the project on the security of the Kingdom, Egypt, and the entire region, as well as Israel’s "security." This logic was presented not only to Trump but also to the decision-making institutions in the US.

Fourth: Separation of Jordan’s rejection of displacement from its relations with the US, which the King succeeded to decoupling, as the two countries share a wide range of mutual interests that include regional security, combating terrorism, and other issues. The American administration spoke about not linking the displacement project with American aid to Jordan and Egypt.

Jordan is fully mindful of the dangers of the displacement and, in partnership with concerned Arab countries, it will address the scheme not through political confrontation with Washington, but through political action and providing an alternative that serves the Palestinians.

 The political battle against the displacement project will not be easy. It requires steadfastness in the position, as well as wise management. In the worst-case scenario, if things reach a critical stage, the Palestinian brothers remain the first and most important line of defence with their steadfastness on their land and their rejection of the project.