President Trump has claimed that the U.S. has the authority to “take” Gaza, suggesting that neighboring countries could absorb the Palestinian population there. His comments made during a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan drew attention, especially as they echoed previous proposals that had been rejected by Jordan and Egypt. King Abdullah refrained from endorsing Trump’s idea, emphasizing the need for consultations with other Arab nations.
During a recent meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Donald Trump asserted that the United States possesses the authority to “take” Gaza, claiming that regional countries would accommodate the Palestinian population residing there. Trump’s statement, made in the Oval Office, was part of impromptu comments made to the press, asserting, “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.”
This meeting, attended by Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, took place a week after Trump expressed intentions for the U.S. to assume control over Gaza while seeking to relocate approximately two million Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. Both Jordan and Egypt had previously rebuffed this notion when the U.S. President had raised it at a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, King Abdullah offered no significant objection to Trump’s proposal, indicating that further consultations with other Arab nations, including Egypt, would be prudent.
The implications of Trump’s comments highlight an ongoing tension regarding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The reactions from regional leaders suggest hesitance to embrace such initiatives, as evidenced by Abdullah’s evasiveness when approached for comment on the potential resettlement of Gazans. Trump’s remarks underscore his administration’s contentious approach to diplomatic and territorial matters in this volatile region.
In summary, President Trump’s recent claims regarding the U.S. authority to “take” Gaza have drawn mixed reactions from regional leaders, particularly King Abdullah II of Jordan. Despite Trump’s assertiveness, regional partners appear reluctant to support such measures outright, advocating for broader consultations with other Arab countries. The discourse surrounding Gaza continues to reveal the delicate balance of geopolitical interests in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
