King Abdullah II of Jordan is set for a tense meeting with President Trump concerning the Gaza takeover plan, which faces significant opposition from Arab nations. Trump threatens to cut U.S. aid if Jordan and Egypt do not accept displaced Palestinians. Abdullah rejects any proposals that may displace Palestinians, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue given Jordan’s large Palestinian population.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is bracing for a challenging discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, revolves around opposition from Arab nations to Trump’s contentious Gaza takeover plan. The discussion follows Trump’s indication that he might cut billions in U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt should they resist taking in Palestinians displaced from Gaza.
As the Gaza ceasefire grows increasingly tenuous, Trump warns of severe consequences if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday. Abdullah, along with Crown Prince Hussein, will have a private audience with Trump, which will include a closed-door lunch afterward. Prior to this, they met with Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
King Abdullah has been a significant ally to the U.S. but recently expressed strong opposition to any initiatives aimed at controlling Palestinian territories or displacing their populations. His discussions with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas emphasize this stance. Trump’s ambitious plan involves the U.S. managing Gaza’s recovery as a premier destination, yet this would require resettling Palestinians without any option for their return.
Trump has intensified pressure on Jordan and Egypt to accommodate the influx of over two million Palestinians from Gaza as part of his plan, suggesting that economic aid may be leveraged to gain compliance. During an interview, he implied, “If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold it.” He clarified that under his proposal, Palestinians would not retain the right to return to Gaza.
The backlash against Trump’s plan has been substantial, with Arab nations advocating for a two-state solution. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently called for rebuilding Gaza without displacing its residents. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry firmly rejected any compromise regarding Palestinian rights following talks with U.S. officials.
The situation poses significant ramifications for Jordan, where approximately half of the population of 11 million has Palestinian roots. The historical context includes past violent confrontations between the Jordanian state and Palestinian organizations. However, Jordan must also weigh the economic implications, as it receives crucial financial assistance from the U.S., totaling approximately $1.1 billion annually.
In summary, King Abdullah II faces a momentous meeting with President Trump, amidst escalating tensions regarding the proposed Gaza takeover plan. Trump’s threats to suspend aid add pressure on Jordan and Egypt to comply with his vision. Abdullah’s rejection of displacement for Palestinians highlights the sensitive nature of the issue, which is critical given Jordans’ significant Palestinian demographic.
Original Source: www.france24.com
