Trump Pushes U.S. Control of Gaza; Jordan and Egypt Oppose
President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his controversial proposal to exile Palestinians and place a rebuilt Gaza under U.S. control, drawing strong opposition from visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II.
“I reiterated Jordan’s steadfast position against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. This is the unified Arab position. Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all,” Abdullah said on social media following their talks.
Despite his firm stance, King Abdullah mentioned that Egypt was working on a plan for how regional countries might engage with Trump’s bold proposal. He also suggested that Jordan could offer immediate humanitarian help. “One of the things that we can do right away is take 2,000 children, cancer children who are in a very ill state. That is possible,” Abdullah offered as he was welcomed by Trump at the White House, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein.
Trump praised the gesture, saying, “It’s really a beautiful gesture,” adding that he hadn’t been aware of it beforehand.
The U.S. president had shocked the world last week with his suggestion to have the U.S. “take over” Gaza, envisioning a reconstruction of the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East”—though this would involve resettling Palestinians elsewhere, with no plan for their return. Abdullah, however, urged patience and deferred to Egypt, which is developing a response. “Let’s wait until the Egyptians can come and present it to the president and not get ahead of ourselves,” he stated.
Trump later retreated from earlier threats to cut U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt, saying, “I don’t have to threaten that. I do believe we’re above that.”
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Meanwhile, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced plans to present a “comprehensive vision for the reconstruction” of Gaza, emphasizing the need to keep Palestinians on their land and cooperate with the U.S. to reach a fair settlement.
Despite this, Trump pressed ahead with his plan for U.S. control over Gaza, declaring, “We don’t have to buy. We’re going to have Gaza. We’re going to take it, we’re going to hold it, we’re going to cherish it.” However, when asked if he would personally develop property in Gaza, Trump denied it, saying, “No. I’ve had a great career in real estate.”
The meeting took place amid growing concerns over the fragile Gaza ceasefire, with Trump warning on Monday that “all hell” would break out if Hamas fails to release all hostages by Saturday. Trump expressed doubts that Hamas would comply with the ultimatum but downplayed the risks to a lasting peace, stating, “It’s not going to take a long time. A bully is the weakest person, and they’re bullies. Hamas is bullies.”
While King Abdullah is a key U.S. ally, he rejected “any attempts” to take control of Palestinian territories and displace their people last week. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is set to visit the White House later this week, also called for Gaza’s reconstruction “without displacing Palestinians.”
The issue holds significant importance for Jordan, which has a population of 11 million, half of whom are of Palestinian descent. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, many Palestinians have sought refuge in Jordan. However, Jordan remains mindful of the economic leverage Trump could exert. The U.S. provides approximately $750 million in economic assistance and $350 million in military aid to Jordan annually.
On social media after the meeting, King Abdullah reaffirmed, “My foremost commitment is to Jordan, to its stability, and to the well-being of Jordanians.”
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.politico.eu/
