King Abdullah II of Jordan on Tuesday rejected President Trump’s proposal for Jordan to absorb Palestinians living in Gaza, emphasizing his opposition to a plan that aims to clear the territory for U.S. control.
During a meeting at the White House, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, stating, “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
This statement followed Mr. Trump’s assertion that the United States had the authority to "take" Gaza, as part of efforts to persuade Jordan and other Arab nations to support a forced resettlement of Palestinians, a proposal that has faced widespread criticism.
Mr. Trump declared, “We will have Gaza,” while sitting next to King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, indicating intentions to control and develop the area.
Although King Abdullah described the president as a force for peace in public remarks, he was more candid in private, advocating for a two-state solution as essential for regional stability, which he stated requires U.S. leadership.
The meeting occurred shortly after Mr. Trump expressed desires for the United States to take control of Gaza and proposed that Jordan and Egypt resettle approximately two million Palestinians. Both nations previously rejected this idea during a news conference with Israel’s prime minister.
In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry affirmed its commitment to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue while emphasizing that Palestinians should remain in their homeland.
The discussions with King Abdullah were pivotal for both Jordan and the future of Gaza, especially as the cease-fire in the ongoing conflict appeared fragile. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu warned Hamas of resumed military action if hostages were not released by a specified deadline, echoing Trump’s ultimatum.
Hamas accused Israel of failing to deliver promised aid to Gaza, a claim Israeli officials disputed, stating that accusations from Hamas were unfounded.
Experts noted that the precarious cease-fire and Trump’s controversial proposal have left Arab leaders in a reactive stance, with the situation in the region becoming increasingly unstable.
Mr. Trump has been persistent in his proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, intending to redevelop it as a center for jobs and tourism. He has pressured Jordan and Egypt regarding the resettlement of Palestinians, even suggesting a potential cut to U.S. aid to Jordan if it did not comply.
Despite the challenging dynamics, King Abdullah aimed to safeguard the substantial foreign aid Jordan receives from the U.S. while addressing the demands for Palestinian resettlement.
Concerns remain regarding the potential influx of refugees inflaming tensions within Jordan, where over half of the population is of Palestinian descent, and the country is already home to many refugees from Syria.
Jordan’s parliament recently proposed a bill to ban the resettlement of Palestinians, reflecting the monarchy’s apprehensions about accepting large numbers of refugees.
Initially, King Abdullah sought to placate Mr. Trump by offering to accept 2,000 Palestinian children with medical needs, a gesture that was positively received by the president.
Analysts suggest that Arab leaders are adept at navigating interactions with Mr. Trump, often employing strategies to appease him while engaging with more serious members of his administration.