Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Jordan’s King Abdullah II to accept Palestinians who would be permanently displaced under his controversial plan for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip. However, the Jordanian monarch firmly rejected the proposal, emphasizing his country’s opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Speaking alongside King Abdullah at the White House, Trump detailed his vision of transforming Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” Despite strong opposition from the Arab world, he maintained that Palestinians would not be allowed to return to their homes, which have been devastated by Israeli military operations.
Jordan’s King Abdullah reiterated his country’s stance, stating that rebuilding Gaza without displacing its residents should be the global priority. He later affirmed that this was the "unified Arab position" and that humanitarian efforts should focus on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Despite this rejection, Trump expressed confidence that Jordan and Egypt would ultimately agree to host displaced Palestinians, citing their economic and military dependence on U.S. aid. He suggested that both countries would provide land to house Gaza’s displaced population, though neither government has confirmed such plans.
While Trump denied using U.S. assistance as a bargaining tool, he acknowledged that Washington provides significant financial support to Jordan and Egypt. Jordan, already home to over two million Palestinian refugees, has raised concerns about further displacement. The country is also affected by Trump’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid, which has temporarily halted its $1.45 billion in annual U.S. assistance.
The meeting between Trump and King Abdullah, attended by Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, placed the Jordanian leader in a sensitive position. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi later confirmed that an Egyptian-led Arab plan aims to rebuild Gaza without displacing its people.
Meanwhile, Trump’s proposal has introduced further tensions into the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian militant group recently announced it would halt the release of Israeli hostages, accusing Israel of violating agreements. In response, Trump warned that if Hamas does not release all hostages by Saturday, the ceasefire could be canceled.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 74% of Americans oppose the U.S. taking control of Gaza and displacing its population. Republican voters remain divided, with 55% against the plan and 43% in favor.
With Arab nations expected to present a counterproposal in the coming weeks, the international community continues to monitor the evolving situation closely.