Jordan’s king Abdullah and Trump discuss Gaza amid controversy

Jordan’s King Abdullah II became the first Arab leader to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House since the start of Trump's second term on January 20. However, the meeting placed Abdullah in a challenging position, given the strong historical ties between Jordan and the U.S. and the pressure Trump has exerted on Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. could "take over" Gaza, a proposal widely criticized as a form of ethnic cleansing. During their conversation, he reiterated his stance, asserting that American control over Gaza would bring stability to the Middle East. Jordan and Egypt, however, have firmly refused to accept forcibly displaced Palestinians.

The timing of the meeting was critical, as a ceasefire in Gaza appeared fragile, with Israel threatening to resume bombings if Hamas did not release all captives by Saturday. Despite Trump's strong rhetoric, Abdullah carefully navigated the discussion, avoiding direct confrontation and hinting at an alternative Arab plan led by Egypt.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

Trump Reiterates His Gaza Takeover Plan

During the meeting, Trump reaffirmed his controversial vision for Gaza, stating that Palestinians would be relocated to areas in Jordan and Egypt, with no right to return. He presented this as a means of stabilizing the region and boosting economic opportunities but failed to provide details.

Additionally, he reinforced his warning that Israel’s ceasefire would end unless Hamas released all Israeli captives within four days. He dismissed the possibility of extending the deadline, insisting that failure to comply would lead to immediate consequences.

However, Trump appeared to soften his stance on cutting aid to Jordan and Egypt, suggesting that such threats were unnecessary.

Abdullah’s Diplomatic Approach

Faced with Trump’s assertive position, Abdullah carefully managed his response. Rather than openly opposing the U.S. president, he emphasized Jordan’s commitment to doing what was best for its people.

Following the meeting, he reaffirmed Jordan’s firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, while also revealing that Arab states were working on a separate plan for Gaza’s future. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi later echoed this, stating that the Arab world had a reconstruction plan that did not involve displacement.

Observers speculate that Trump’s proposal may be a negotiating tactic and that Arab nations will counter with their own strategy.

Trump’s Real Estate Perspective on Gaza

Trump, a businessman with deep ties to real estate, framed Gaza’s future in commercial terms. He envisioned turning the war-torn territory into a prosperous area, comparing it to a valuable investment. However, his remarks largely ignored the deep-rooted Palestinian connection to their land.

His perspective contrasted sharply with recent events, where thousands of displaced Palestinians defied dangers to return to northern Gaza, demonstrating their unwavering attachment to their homeland.

Despite Trump's vision of redevelopment, Palestinians have consistently resisted displacement, underscoring their determination to remain on their land despite ongoing conflict.