President Trump entertained King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Tuesday, where he reiterated his bold proposition that Gaza could be evacuated, placed under the control of the United States, and transformed into a tourism hub. However, this plan would likely only be feasible if Arab countries agree to accept a larger influx of refugees.
During the meeting in the Oval Office, President Trump indicated that he would not use U.S. aid to pressure Jordan, Egypt, or other Arab nations into accepting a higher number of Palestinian refugees from Gaza. This contradicts his previous statement hinting at the possibility of withholding aid.
King Abdullah II did not offer any substantial comments on Trump’s ambitious plan to reshape the Middle East, nor did he comment on the idea of his nation accepting a large number of Gaza refugees. He did, however, agree to take in approximately 2,000 children suffering from cancer and other health conditions, a move that Trump called “a beautiful gesture.”
President Trump also revisited the idea of the U.S. taking control of Gaza, suggesting that this could be achieved without significant financial investment and under U.S. authority. He envisioned a transformed Gaza boasting new hotels, office buildings, and houses. Trump, a renowned real estate mogul, believes the local residents will be impressed with this development, although he promised not to be personally involved in the project.
Trump also used the meeting to express his opinion that the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel could be at risk if Hamas does not release all hostages by midday on Saturday. In the backdrop of these discussions is the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, which is currently under strain as Hamas accuses Israel of violating the agreement.
Trump’s suggestion to take control of Gaza and turn it into a Middle Eastern resort, while relocating Palestinians into neighboring countries without the right of return, has been met with firm opposition from Jordan and other Arab states. Despite this, Trump remains confident and optimistic about his plans.
Amid concerns about the implications for the long-standing goal of a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Jordan and Egypt have also expressed security worries about the idea of accepting large numbers of additional refugees, even on a temporary basis.
During his visit, King Abdullah II met with top officials from the Trump administration, making him the third foreign leader to have an in-person meeting with President Trump since his inauguration on January 20. Trump’s ideas for resettling Palestinians from Gaza and U.S. ownership of the territory were first announced during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Trump administration insists that the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza would only be temporary to allow for the removal of debris, unexploded ordnance disposal, and reconstruction. However, when asked if the Palestinians would have the right to return to Gaza under his plan, Trump replied, “No, they wouldn’t.”
