President Trump proposed relocating Gaza residents to transform the area into a tourist destination under U.S. control during his meeting with King Abdullah II. He emphasized that Palestinians would not have a right to return and warned of potential risks to the ceasefire with Hamas. Jordan firmly opposes Trump’s plan, echoing concerns from neighboring Arab nations regarding security and national interests.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to the White House, where he reiterated his controversial proposal to relocate the residents of Gaza, suggesting the area could be transformed into a tourist destination under U.S. control. Trump indicated that this initiative may necessitate Arab nations, particularly Jordan, to accept additional refugees from Gaza but claimed he would not threaten to cut U.S. aid to them.
During the meeting, Trump discussed his vision for Gaza, proposing it could feature new hotels, office buildings, and residential areas, stating, “We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it.” He emphasized that U.S. control could happen without direct financial involvement from the country. Furthermore, he maintained that Palestinians under his plan would not have the right to return.
In light of ongoing tensions, Trump warned that the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel could be at risk if Hamas fails to release all hostages. He expressed skepticism about Hamas’s ability to meet an impending deadline, stating, “I don’t think they’re going to make the deadline, personally.” Meanwhile, King Abdullah refrained from making significant comments regarding Trump’s proposals.
Jordan, which currently houses over two million Palestinians, has consistently rejected Trump’s relocation plan, with the foreign minister highlighting the steadfast opposition to the idea. Both Jordan and Egypt have raised concerns regarding the implications of accepting more refugees, emphasizing the potential threat to their national security and the broader peace process regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
As part of the discussions, King Abdullah also met with several senior Trump administration officials to further address the situation in the region. Trump had previously floated similar ideas alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and at a press conference last week, causing considerable international scrutiny. He had previously suggested that temporary deployment of U.S. troops to secure Gaza was possible, raising questions about the feasibility of his proposals without U.S. funding for reconstruction.
In summary, President Trump’s recent meeting with King Abdullah concerning Gaza has reignited discussions on the potential U.S. control of the area, which includes plans for relocation of Palestinians. His assertion that there would be no right of return for those relocated, alongside Jordan’s opposition to such proposals, indicates significant geopolitical complexities that remain unresolved. As the situation develops, both Trump’s strategy and the responses from regional leaders will be closely monitored in the context of Middle Eastern stability and security.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
