During a recent meeting at the White House, former President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial proposal regarding the Gaza Strip. In his discussion with King Abdullah of Jordan, Trump insisted that the United States would take control of Gaza and suggested relocating its population of approximately two million Palestinians to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt. This marked their first encounter since Trump unveiled his plan, which has faced widespread international criticism.
During the meeting, Trump emphasized that he believed a U.S. takeover would lead to job creation in the region, describing Gaza as a potential “diamond.” However, he appeared indifferent to objections from both King Abdullah and the Egyptian government, which firmly rejected the idea of displacing Palestinians and has instead advocated for a reconstruction plan that assures the Palestinian people can remain on their land.
King Abdullah maintained Jordan’s position against the displacement, highlighting the country’s longstanding humanitarian concerns and its experience with previous waves of Palestinian refugees. He stated that any solution must be beneficial for everyone, including offering assistance for unwell Palestinian children, but he firmly stated that Jordan would not accept the mass movement of Palestinians.
The Egyptian foreign ministry also reiterated its commitment to ensuring Palestinians remain in Gaza and laid out intentions to propose a comprehensive reconstruction plan that aligns with the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. King Abdullah noted that the broader Arab stance aligns against the forced displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing the need for rebuilding efforts that prioritize humanitarian needs without uprooting communities.
Experts and humanitarian organizations have warned that Trump’s proposal, if pursued, could violate international law, including the prohibition against forced population transfers, which could be considered a form of ethnic cleansing.
In a climate of tension and criticism, as both leaders discussed the future of Gaza, the prospect of cooperation and dialogue remains a crucial hope for a more peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The conversation between Trump and King Abdullah underscores the complexities of addressing humanitarian crises while balancing geopolitical interests in a historically volatile region.