Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with President Trump to reiterate strong opposition to relocating Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to stability and humanitarian needs. Though open to accepting sick Palestinian children, the king rejected any large-scale resettlement plans. Amidst a fragile ceasefire and ongoing tensions, Trump’s suggestions drew criticism from regional leaders, highlighting significant geopolitical rifts.
King Abdullah II of Jordan confirmed his country’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate millions of Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to its stability and the welfare of its citizens. During a meeting with Trump, he reiterated his stance against the displacement of Palestinians, aligning with the collective Arab position. Although Abdullah expressed willingness to accept 2,000 critically ill Palestinian children from Gaza, he maintained his opposition to the broader resettlement initiative proposed by Trump.
Trump expressed optimism regarding progress on his resettlement plan and mentioned potential cooperation with Egypt and others in the region. However, Abdullah noted the significant logistical challenges involved in relocating such a large population that has endured extensive suffering due to ongoing conflict. He stressed the need for a plan that addresses the humanitarian crisis without displacing Palestinians, advocating for a two-state solution as the pathway to regional peace.
Jordan currently hosts over two million Palestinian refugees, most of whom have acquired citizenship. The king, who connects personally to the Palestinian plight through his family history, firmly rejected the notion of increasing refugee intake. Trump’s proposal has drawn criticism from many Arab leaders, and Abdullah reiterated that rebuilding Gaza without displacing its Palestinian population should be prioritized.
Trump’s plan, which includes ‘owning’ the Gaza Strip and creating jobs through development projects, faced immediate backlash, with regional leaders opposing his vision. Although Trump previously suggested withholding U.S. aid if necessary, he later indicated that he would not pursue this option. Countries like Jordan and Egypt have declined Trump’s resettlement approach, with King Abdullah affirming the need for foreign support to sustain Jordan’s refugee population and national interests amidst existing turmoil.
With a fragile ceasefire in place, tensions remain high as hostilities may resume. Trump, emphasizing regional willingness to accommodate Palestinians, mentioned that those in Gaza desire to leave for better conditions, given a viable alternative. Netanyahu warned of potential termination of the ceasefire should Hamas fail to release hostages, further complicating the situation in Gaza and surrounding areas.
In summary, Jordan’s King Abdullah II firmly expressed opposition to President Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians out of Gaza, advocating instead for a humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis. He emphasized the need for a two-state solution and affirmed Jordan’s commitment to the welfare of both its people and the Palestinian population. The meeting highlighted the persistent divisions between U.S. proposals and regional sentiments, reflecting a complex geopolitical landscape awaiting resolution.
Original Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com