Janice R. Andrews
In a high-stakes meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump signaled his unwavering commitment to a controversial plan for the US to take over the Gaza Strip, despite fierce opposition from Jordan’s King Abdullah and other Arab allies. The proposal, which includes permanently displacing Palestinians and transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” has sparked outrage across the Arab world and raised questions about the future of Middle East peace.
Speaking alongside King Abdullah on Tuesday, Trump defended his plan, claiming it would “bring peace” to the region and create jobs for Middle Eastern residents. However, the Jordanian monarch reiterated his country’s “steadfast position” against the displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing the need to prioritize rebuilding Gaza and addressing its humanitarian crisis.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Trump’s plan involves the US taking control of Gaza, relocating its residents, and redeveloping the war-torn territory into a thriving economic hub. “We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it, we’re going to cherish it,” Trump said in the Oval Office. He suggested that displaced Palestinians could be resettled in Jordan and Egypt, both of which rely heavily on US economic and military aid.
Despite Trump’s confidence, King Abdullah made it clear that Jordan would not support any plan that displaces Palestinians. “This is the unified Arab position,” the king stated in a social media post. “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
Regional Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns
The proposal has further complicated an already fragile regional dynamic. Jordan, home to over 2 million Palestinian refugees, views the displacement of Palestinians as a red line. The country’s leadership has long been wary of policies that could destabilize its demographic balance or undermine Palestinian rights.
Trump’s comments during the meeting put King Abdullah in an awkward position, particularly given the sensitivity of the Palestinian right of return—a core issue for many in Jordan. At one point, Trump appeared to prompt the king to agree to take in Palestinians from Gaza. While King Abdullah avoided directly endorsing the plan, he offered to bring 2,000 sick children from Gaza to Jordan for medical treatment, a gesture Trump praised.
Arab Counterproposals and US Aid
King Abdullah hinted that Arab nations would present a counterproposal to Trump’s plan, emphasizing the need for a solution that benefits all parties. “The point is how to make this work in a way that is good for everybody,” he said, carefully avoiding explicit support or opposition to Trump’s vision.
The meeting also highlighted the complex relationship between the US and its Arab allies. Jordan, which receives $1.45 billion in annual US aid, is currently facing a 90-day aid pause imposed by the Trump administration. While Israel and Egypt have been granted waivers, Jordan’s funding remains frozen pending a review of all foreign aid.
Trump denied using aid as a threat, stating, “We contribute a lot of money to Jordan, and to Egypt by the way—a lot to both. But I don’t have to threaten that. I think we’re above that.”
Public Opposition and Political Divide
The proposal has faced significant backlash both internationally and domestically. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in early February revealed that 74% of Americans oppose the idea of the US taking control of Gaza and displacing its residents. The issue has also divided Republicans, with 55% opposed and 43% supportive.
Critics argue that the plan undermines Palestinian rights and could exacerbate tensions in the region. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, has already warned that it will halt the release of Israeli hostages unless Israel adheres to ceasefire terms. Trump, in turn, has threatened to cancel the ceasefire if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages by Saturday.
What’s Next for Gaza?
As Trump doubles down on his vision for Gaza, the international community watches closely. The proposal has introduced new complexities into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Arab nations scrambling to present alternatives that address both humanitarian concerns and political realities.
For now, the fate of Gaza remains uncertain. While Trump remains optimistic about his plan’s potential to bring peace, the strong opposition from key allies like Jordan suggests a rocky road ahead. As King Abdullah aptly put it, the priority must be on rebuilding Gaza and ensuring the well-being of its people—a goal that requires collaboration, not coercion.
The meeting between Trump and King Abdullah underscores the challenges of navigating Middle East diplomacy. With regional tensions high and public opinion divided, the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. Whether Trump’s plan will ultimately gain traction—or further alienate US allies—remains to be seen.
For now, the world waits as the debate over Gaza’s future continues to unfold.
