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King Abdullah II Stands Firm Against Trump’s Gaza Proposal
King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a decisive rebuke to President Trump’s controversial suggestion that Jordan should absorb the Palestinians living in Gaza. During a "constructive" meeting at the White House, King Abdullah emphasized Jordan’s unwavering opposition to the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. He stated, “This is the unified Arab position,” and stressed that the priority should be to rebuild Gaza and address the dire humanitarian situation while allowing Palestinians to remain in their homeland. This stance was a clear and unequivocal response to Mr. Trump’s aggressive proposal, which has been met with widespread condemnation across the region.
Trump’s Improbable Plan and Immediate Rejection
Just hours before the meeting, President Trump declared that the United States had the authority to "take" Gaza, framing it as a part of a plan to pressure Jordan and other Arab nations to agree to the forced resettlement of Palestinians. In a bold and contentious statement, Mr. Trump said, “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 proposal was not only alarming but also impractical, as both Jordan and Egypt had already rejected it when Mr. Trump raised it in a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the week prior. The idea of forcibly displacing nearly two million Palestinians from Gaza is fraught with ethical, legal, and logistical challenges, and it contradicts international norms and the principles of human rights.
Private Diplomacy and Public Nuance
In his post-meeting statement, King Abdullah provided a more detailed account of the private discussions, reiterating Jordan’s commitment to a just peace based on the two-state solution. He emphasized the critical role of U.S. leadership in achieving this goal and the importance of maintaining regional stability. When pressed by reporters about Mr. Trump’s proposal, King Abdullah chose his words carefully, praising the president for his efforts in regional peace and highlighting Jordan’s willingness to assist in specific, humanitarian ways, such as taking in sick Palestinian children. This nuanced approach allowed him to maintain a diplomatic front while firmly opposing the broader, more harmful elements of Mr. Trump’s plan.
The Risks of U.S. Aid Cuts
The stakes of the meeting were high, as Mr. Trump had threatened to cut aid to Jordan if it did not comply with his demands. American aid to Jordan, which includes significant military assistance, totals more than $1.5 billion annually. This aid is crucial for Jordan’s economy and security, and the threat of its suspension put King Abdullah in a difficult position. However, Mr. Trump appeared to soften his stance during the meeting, saying, “We’re above that.” Despite this, the underlying tension remains, as Jordan must balance the need for U.S. support with the imperative to protect the rights and well-being of Palestinians.
The Internal Dynamics of Jordan
Jordan’s internal dynamics also played a significant role in King Abdullah’s response. More than half of Jordan’s 12 million subjects are of Palestinian descent, and accepting an influx of roughly two million refugees could exacerbate existing tensions. Jordan’s parliament recently introduced a bill banning the resettlement of Palestinians in the country, underscoring the domestic political risks involved. Analysts suggest that King Abdullah’s offer to take in 2,000 sick Palestinian children was a strategic move to placate Mr. Trump without committing to the broader, more destabilizing proposal. This gesture, while humanitarian, was seen as a way to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape and maintain U.S. support.
Broader Implications for the Middle East
The fragility of the cease-fire in Gaza, combined with Mr. Trump’s proposal, has put Arab leaders in a state of "reaction mode," according to Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the region’s enduring instability have been further complicated by Mr. Trump’s threats, which could potentially sabotage efforts to achieve a lasting peace. King Abdullah’s firm stance could influence other Arab leaders, particularly in Saudi Arabia, to resist Mr. Trump’s demands, as it highlights the potential risks and complications of such a plan. The diplomatic dance between Jordan and the United States is a critical test of the region’s resilience and the ability to maintain stability in the face of external pressures.
