Jordan’s King Abdullah II prepares for a tense meeting with President Trump over the U.S. plan for Gaza. Trump threatens financial aid cuts to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian migrants. Abdullah firmly opposes the displacement of Palestinians, while regional leaders advocate for a two-state solution amid deepening concerns about Gaza’s future.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is preparing for a challenging discussion with President Donald Trump regarding the contentious plan for Gaza. This meeting, set for Tuesday at the White House, coincides with Trump’s recent remarks threatening to suspend billions in U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they resist admitting displaced Palestinians from Gaza as part of his proposal.
The backdrop of this meeting is a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, with Trump warning of severe repercussions should Hamas fail to release all hostages by Saturday. King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein are scheduled to meet with Trump in the Oval Office, followed by a private lunch. They also conferred with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz earlier the same day.
King Abdullah, a crucial ally to the U.S., firmly opposed any plans proposing the control and displacement of Palestinian peoples, as conveyed in his discussions with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Trump’s controversial plan follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the White House. The U.S. president has proposed a radical transformation of Gaza, envisioning its redevelopment into a prosperous region while resettling displaced Palestinians elsewhere, denying any rights for their return.
The pressure from Trump on Jordan and Egypt is apparent, with implications for U.S. financial assistance if they do not comply with his plan. Trump stated that withholding aid was a possibility if both nations opposed the resettlement of Palestinians, declaring that once Palestinians leave, they would have no right to return to Gaza.
Arab nations have denounced the proposal, advocating for a two-state solution that allows for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, set to visit the White House later this week, emphasized the need for Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its current inhabitants. Additionally, Egypt’s foreign minister reiterated the importance of preserving Palestinian rights in recent discussions in Washington.
Jordan faces significant challenges relating to this issue, as a substantial portion of its 11 million residents are of Palestinian descent. Historical tensions between Jordanians and Palestinian factions underline the delicate nature of these discussions. Moreover, Jordan relies heavily on U.S. aid, receiving approximately $750 million annually for economic support and another $350 million for military assistance, further complicating its position in these negotiations.
The upcoming talks between King Abdullah II and President Trump reflect the heightened tensions surrounding the Gaza situation. The anticipated threats regarding U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt underscore the pressure facing these nations amidst global outcry against Trump’s proposal. As Jordan navigates its complex demographic and historical landscape, the outcome of these discussions could have significant ramifications for both regional stability and Palestinian rights.
Original Source: www.france24.com
