President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial plan for the US to take control of Gaza during a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah at the White House on Tuesday. This was their first meeting since Trump proposed relocating Gaza’s two million Palestinian residents to other countries in the region, including Jordan.
Trump’s comments sparked global backlash when the proposal was first revealed last week. Despite widespread condemnation, including strong opposition from Jordan, Trump stood firm, claiming the US would “take it” and “cherish” Gaza if the plan were implemented. He argued the takeover would create “a lot of jobs” and transform Gaza into a “diamond.”
King Abdullah, whose country already hosts millions of Palestinians, rejected the proposal, emphasizing that Jordan’s position is against the displacement of Palestinians. He stated that any solution must prioritize the rebuilding of Gaza without displacing its people, a stance echoed by other Middle Eastern countries.
Trump, however, maintained his stance, suggesting that Jordan and Egypt should help house resettled Palestinians. While Jordan has voiced concerns about the feasibility of absorbing large numbers of refugees, it agreed to take in 2,000 Palestinian children in need of medical care. Egypt, on the other hand, rejected the idea of forcibly resettling Gaza’s residents, proposing a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s reconstruction while respecting the rights of Palestinians to remain on their land.
The proposal has raised significant legal and humanitarian concerns. The United Nations has warned that forcibly displacing civilians from occupied territories is prohibited under international law, equating it to ethnic cleansing.
Despite the international pushback, Trump has continued to defend his plan, stating it would provide Palestinians with safer, better living conditions.
