Jordan’s King Abdullah II has tactically maneuvered to delay any firm commitment on the U.S. plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, instead offering a limited humanitarian gesture. While this temporarily eases tensions with President Donald Trump, broader opposition remains strong in Jordan and the region. The plan’s feasibility and legal basis are still unclear, and its potential to destabilize Middle Eastern geopolitics continues to be a significant concern.
Jordan’s Response to Trump’s Gaza Plan
King Abdullah II of Jordan became the first Middle Eastern leader to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump proposed a controversial plan to take over Gaza. Abdullah, who had previously rejected the proposal, carefully avoided a direct confrontation by offering to accept 2,000 sick Palestinian children from Gaza while deferring broader resettlement questions to Egypt.
Trump’s Threats and Abdullah’s Diplomatic Approach
A day before their meeting, Trump had threatened to cut U.S. aid to Jordan if the country refused to take in Palestinians. However, during their White House meeting, Abdullah’s limited humanitarian offer seemed to satisfy Trump. The U.S. president praised the move, calling it a “beautiful gesture,” and softened his stance on withholding aid.
Regional Resistance to Forced Relocation
Jordan, along with other Arab nations, strongly opposes the mass displacement of Palestinians. Jordan, which already hosts a large Palestinian population, views the forced relocation as an existential threat rather than a security or economic issue. Egyptian officials are also working on a regional strategy to manage Trump’s demands while avoiding further destabilization.
Abdullah’s Diplomatic Praise for Trump
Despite rejecting the Gaza resettlement plan, Abdullah flattered Trump by calling him a potential historic peacemaker. “I finally see somebody who can take us across the finish line to bring stability, peace, and prosperity,” Abdullah stated, likely as a strategic move to keep diplomatic channels open while delaying a firm commitment.
Trump’s Controversial Vision for Gaza
Trump has stated that he envisions Gaza as “the Riviera of the Middle East” but has not provided any concrete plans for how the U.S. would take control of the territory. When questioned about the legal basis for such a move, Trump vaguely asserted that the U.S. had the authority without explaining under what legal framework.
Potential Consequences of the Plan
Many in the region see Trump’s proposal as forced displacement, which some critics describe as ethnic cleansing. Jordanian lawmakers are moving to pass legislation explicitly banning Palestinian resettlement in their country, reinforcing their opposition to any plan that undermines Palestinian claims to their homeland.
Trump’s Stance on Hamas and Israel’s Role
While backing away from threats to cut aid to Jordan, Trump maintained a strong stance against Hamas, demanding the return of hostages and warning of severe consequences if they failed to comply. His aggressive rhetoric could provide Israel with a justification to end the current cease-fire with Hamas, further escalating tensions in the region.
Final Thoughts
Jordan’s diplomatic balancing act has bought it time, but Trump’s unyielding approach continues to challenge regional stability. While Abdullah managed to ease tensions for now, the long-term viability of the U.S. plan remains highly questionable, and resistance from Jordan and other Middle Eastern nations shows no sign of weakening.
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