Trump to Host King Abdullah II Amid Gaza Resettlement Pressures
President Trump is set to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss a contentious plan involving the relocation of Gaza refugees, amid heightened tensions due to accusations of ceasefire violations. The plan includes a potential withholding of US aid to persuade Jordan to accept more Palestinian refugees, which the kingdom has firmly rejected.
President Donald Trump will welcome King Abdullah II of Jordan to the White House as he intensifies pressure on the kingdom to accept Gaza refugees, aligning with his ambitious vision for a restructured Middle East. This meeting occurs amid a fragile Gaza ceasefire influenced by accusations from Hamas against Israel regarding breaches of the truce, leading to a suspension of hostage releases. Trump has urged Israel to resume military action unless all hostages are freed soon.
As part of his plan, Trump envisions converting Gaza into a luxurious destination akin to the “Riviera of the Middle East,” suggesting that Palestinians should resettle in neighboring countries without the option to return. He indicated that he might consider withholding US financial aid from Jordan and Egypt to incentivize their acceptance of more Palestinian refugees, saying, “Yeah, maybe. Sure, why not?” if they refuse.
With over two million Palestinians currently in Jordan, the local leadership has staunchly opposed Trump’s resettlement strategy. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that the country’s position against this plan remains resolute. There are also underlying security concerns related to admitting large influxes of refugees, which both Jordan and Egypt share privately.
In his statements, Trump expressed confidence that Abdullah and other nations would eventually accept refugees due to their “good hearts.” The king’s agenda during his visit includes discussions with high-ranking officials from the Trump administration, which underscores the diplomatic significance of this meeting.
The president previously outlined his Gaza resettlement plans during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he initially did not exclude US military deployment for Gaza’s security. While White House representatives clarified that he only aimed for temporary relocation of Palestinians, Trump distinctly stated that under his plan, they would not have a right to return.
The upcoming meeting between Trump and King Abdullah II highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza’s refugee situation. Trump’s controversial plan aims to relocate Palestinians while facing firm opposition from Jordan and Egypt due to security and humanitarian concerns. The discussions are set against a backdrop of fragile ceasefires and unresolved humanitarian crises, with Trump’s talk of withholding aid adding another layer of complexity to US-Arab relations.
Original Source: guernseypress.com
