Trump Reiterates Plan for US Control of Gaza, Faces Pushback from Jordan and Egypt
President Donald Trump has once again emphasized his controversial proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip, despite strong opposition from key Middle Eastern allies. During a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday, Trump reaffirmed his vision for the future of Gaza, which includes relocating its two million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt.
The proposal, first unveiled last week, has sparked global condemnation and raised concerns about violations of international law, which prohibits the forcible transfer of populations. Trump’s plan would mark a dramatic shift in decades of U.S. policy in the region.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump described Gaza as a potential “diamond” that could create “a lot of jobs” across the region if brought under U.S. control. “We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it. We’re going to cherish it,” he said. Trump also suggested that the U.S. would no longer need to threaten other countries to participate in his plan, claiming that Jordan and Egypt would willingly provide land for resettling Palestinians.
“I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Jordan. I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Egypt,” Trump stated. “We may have someplace else, but I think when we finish our talks, we’ll have a place where they’re going to live very happily and very safely.”
Jordan and Egypt Reject the Proposal
Jordan, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, has firmly rejected Trump’s plan, calling it a violation of international law. King Abdullah II reiterated Jordan’s opposition to the displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing that the country’s position aligns with the broader Arab stance.
“Jordan’s steadfast position is against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank,” King Abdullah said after the meeting. “This is the unified Arab position.” He added that rebuilding Gaza without displacing its residents and addressing the humanitarian crisis should be the top priority.
Egypt has also dismissed Trump’s proposal. In a statement earlier this week, the Egyptian foreign ministry stressed its commitment to a plan that ensures Palestinians remain on their land, in line with their legal rights. The statement called for a “comprehensive vision for the reconstruction of Gaza” and warned against foreign interventions that could undermine peace efforts.
International Law and Global Concerns
The United Nations has warned that any forced displacement of civilians from occupied territories is strictly prohibited under international law and could amount to ethnic cleansing. When asked about the UN’s stance, Trump sidestepped the question, instead focusing on his vision of providing Palestinians with “beautiful locations” and access to medical care and housing.
King Abdullah, however, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, suggesting that discussions should wait until Egypt presents its own proposal for Gaza’s future governance. This plan, backed by other Arab states, is believed to involve a local administration of technocrats from Gaza, independent of factions like Hamas.
Trump’s Unwavering Stance
Despite the backlash, Trump has doubled down on his proposal, stating that he is “committed to buying and owning” Gaza. In a recent interview with Fox News, he claimed that Gaza’s residents would be resettled permanently and would not have the right to return. “They wouldn’t, because they have much better housing,” he said.
The proposal has further strained relations with Middle Eastern allies, particularly Jordan, which already hosts millions of Palestinian refugees and relies heavily on U.S. economic and military aid. The kingdom has also absorbed waves of refugees from Syria, adding to its demographic and economic challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the international community continues to react to Trump’s plan, the focus remains on finding a solution that prioritizes the rights and well-being of Palestinians while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. King Abdullah’s call for a unified Arab position underscores the region’s determination to resist any measures that could destabilize the Middle East further.
For now, Trump’s vision for Gaza remains a contentious issue, with no clear path forward amid widespread opposition from allies and global organizations.