Jordan’s King Abdullah II is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on February 11, amid growing controversy surrounding Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza residents to neighboring countries.
The invitation for the meeting was issued at the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his own official trip to Washington. Trump's controversial plan has drawn fierce criticism, with both Egypt and Jordan firmly rejecting the idea of resettling displaced Palestinians.
Trump has touted his proposal as part of broader regional negotiations, reiteratively claiming, "They will do it. We do a lot for them – they will do this." He suggested relocating as many as 1.5 million people from Gaza, describing the area as a "massive demolition site," and arguing for the need to clear and rebuild the region.
Despite early backing from certain Israeli factions, opposition from Palestine and regional allies like Jordan and Egypt has made the proposal seem less feasible. Doubts have also emerged from within Trump's own party, including Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has raised questions about the viability of such actions.
On the same day as his announcement, Trump faced pushback when Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League issued a joint statement firmly opposing the suggested migration. This statement, made after foreign ministers from multiple nations met with Palestinian leaders, emphasized, "We reject the idea of displacing Palestinians from their land for any reason."
During these discussions, the representatives reaffirmed their commitment to achieving peace through established plans based on the two-state solution, struggling to maintain regional stability amid Trump’s insistence on the controversial plan.
Reports indicate Egypt will encounter unprecedented challenges if it aims to counter Trump's proposal effectively, particularly if it hopes for support from other Arab countries amid escalated tensions. A senior official from the Trump administration was recently reported to have visited Cairo to discuss the situation, which has heightened fears over its potential consequences.
While Trump’s relocation proposal attempts to address the humanitarian crises following the latest violence and chaos, the predominantly negative reception from Jordan and Egypt could complicate the U.S.'s role as mediator. Both leaders are faced with mounting pressure to safeguard their national interests, as well as to respond to the needs of the Palestinian population.
Jordanian officials have reiterated their position against the relocation plan, emphasizing their commitment to the rights and statehood aspirations of the Palestinian people. King Abdullah II is expected to confront these tensions when he meets with Trump, particularly as regional dynamics shift and public sentiments surrounding the Palestinian issue continue to evolve.
The meeting between Abdullah II and Trump holds significance as both leaders navigate the complex terrain of Middle Eastern diplomacy, marking yet another chapter in the long-standing history of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Whether the discussions succeed remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high, echoing sentiments from across the Arab world urging against any displacement of Palestinians from their lands.