King Abdullah II of Jordan Rejects Trump’s Proposal to Absorb Palestinians from Gaza

A Meeting of contrasts: King Abdullah and President Trump’s Divergent Visions

In a high-stakes meeting at the White House on Tuesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan firmly rejected President Trump’s controversial proposal for Jordan to absorb Palestinians living in Gaza. The proposal, which has been widely criticized, seeks to displaced Palestinians to make way for U.S. control of the war-torn territory. Despite the tense nature of the discussions, the meeting was described as “constructive,” with both leaders addressing pressing issues in the Middle East. King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering opposition to the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing that this stance reflects the unified position of Arab nations.

President Trump, however, remained steadfast in his push for the plan, arguing that the U.S. has the authority to “take” Gaza and redevelop it into a hub for jobs and tourism. He ostensibly pressured King Abdullah and other Arab leaders to embrace the idea of resettling Palestinians in neighboring countries. Trump’s remarks, delivered during the meeting, were direct: “We will have Gaza. It’s a war-torn area. We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it. We’re going to cherish it.” His words underscored the stark contrast between his vision for the region and the King’s commitment to the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and the Need for Prioritizing Peace

King Abdullah’s rejection of Trump’s plan was not merely political; it was rooted in a deep understanding of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The King stressed that rebuilding Gaza and addressing its pressing humanitarian needs should be the international community’s top priority, rather than displacing its residents. In a social media post following the meeting, he reiterated Jordan’s commitment to achieving “just peace” based on the two-state solution, which he believes is essential for regional stability. He also called for U.S. leadership in this endeavor, signaling his belief in the importance of American involvement in resolving the conflict.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The recent cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip is precarious, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages by Saturday at noon, threatening to resume “intense fighting” if the demand is not met. Trump echoed this ultimatum, warning that “all bets are off” if the hostages are not freed by the deadline. The situation is further complicated by disputes over humanitarian aid deliveries, with Hamas accusing Israel of breaking promises to send relief supplies into Gaza.

Arab Leaders Unite Against Forced Displacement

King Abdullah’s stance on the Palestinian issue is not isolated; it reflects a broader Arab consensus. Egypt, another key player in the region, has also rejected Trump’s proposal to resettle Palestinians in neighboring countries. A spokesperson for Egypt’s foreign ministry stated that while Egypt is committed to working with the U.S. on a “just settlement of the Palestinian cause,” Palestinians must be allowed to remain in their homeland. This unified position highlights the strong opposition among Arab leaders to any plan that involves the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The rejection of Trump’s proposal is not merely a matter of principle; it is also driven by practical concerns. Jordan, for instance, is already grappling with the challenges of hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees, primarily from Syria. Analysts warn that absorbing an additional two million Palestinians from Gaza could inflame tensions within Jordan, where more than half of the population is of Palestinian descent. The monarchy is acutely aware of the potential for domestic unrest and is determined to avoid any measures that could destabilize the country.

The Fragility of the Cease-Fire and the Risks of Escalation

The fragility of the cease-fire in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis are significant concerns for regional leaders. Analysts like Jonathan Panikoff of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative warn that Trump’s proposal could exacerbate an already volatile situation. “All of the region’s leaders are trying to balance what they view as an increasingly unstable situation,” Panikoff said. “There’s always been conflict now for almost a year and a half, and it has not ever fully subsided. But now you have a U.S. president who has threatened actions that would add kerosene to an already burning fire.”

The cease-fire agreement, already fragile, is at risk of collapsing due to the ultimatum issued by Netanyahu and Trump. Hamas has accused Israel of failing to deliver promised aid supplies, including hundreds of thousands of tents, into Gaza. While Israeli officials deny these claims, the ongoing disputes over aid underscore the mistrust and tension that permeate the conflict. With the deadline for the release of hostages looming, the region is bracing for potential escalation, which could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.

Trump’s Proposal and Its Implications for Regional Stability

President Trump’s