By Barrington J. Westport

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a high-stakes meeting at the White House on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah II clashed over a controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian population and place the enclave under American control. The discussion, described by sources as “tense but diplomatic,” underscores deepening divisions over how to address the Gaza crisis amid escalating regional instability.

Trump’s Vision: A U.S.-Led “Prosperous Gaza”

President Trump, who has repeatedly floated the idea since leaving office, doubled down on his plan for the U.S. to assume administrative control of Gaza. He outlined a strategy to:

1. Relocate Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt, under temporary “humanitarian corridors.”

2. Demolish and redevelop Gaza’s infrastructure into a “modern economic hub,” funded by U.S. and allied investments.

3. Guarantee displaced Palestinians’ welfare through international aid partnerships, though specifics remain unclear.

“The world has watched Gaza suffer for decades. Only American leadership can turn it into a symbol of prosperity,” Trump asserted in a post-meeting statement. He likened the proposal to his administration’s 2020 Abraham Accords, calling it a “bold solution for lasting peace.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah II Rejects “Dangerous” Plan

King Abdullah II issued a sharp rebuke, emphasizing Jordan’s refusal to absorb Palestinian refugees or endorse forced displacement. “Jordan will not be complicit in any action that undermines Palestinian rights or regional stability,” he stated. The monarch warned that mass relocations could reignite unrest across the Middle East, stressing:

• Jordan already hosts over 2 million Palestinian refugees, straining its resources.

• Gaza’s crisis requires political solutions, not “geographic or demographic engineering.”

• The proposal risks violating international law, including prohibitions on mass displacement under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Global Backlash Mounts

The meeting comes amid fierce condemnation from Arab states, the United Nations, and human rights groups. Key reactions include:

• Egypt: Dismissed the proposal as “unworkable,” vowing to keep its border with Gaza closed.

• Saudi Arabia: Warned against “external interference” in Palestinian sovereignty.

• UN Secretary-General: Called for “urgent de-escalation” and renewed focus on a two-state solution.

• Human Rights Watch: Accused Trump of “reckless disregard for Palestinian self-determination.”

Political Implications

Analysts say Trump’s push reflects his broader strategy to reassert influence in U.S. foreign policy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. However, the plan faces legal and logistical hurdles:

• The Biden administration has distanced itself from the proposal, calling it “non-official.”

• U.S. lawmakers from both parties have criticized it as a “political stunt” lacking congressional or international support.

What’s Next?

With no agreement reached, Gaza’s future remains in limbo. King Abdullah II is set to meet with European Union leaders this week to rally opposition to the plan, while Trump has vowed to “keep fighting for American-led solutions.”

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