WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump met with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Tuesday, where he once again suggested that Gaza could be emptied of residents, placed under U.S. control, and redeveloped as a tourist and business hub.
The proposal, which hinges on neighboring Arab nations accepting more Palestinian refugees, has been met with firm rejection from Jordan and Egypt.
Trump Pushes for U.S. Control of Gaza Without Financial Commitment
During their Oval Office meeting, Trump insisted that his administration would not spend U.S. funds on rebuilding Gaza but would still take control of the territory.
Trump’s Key Statements on Gaza:
- “We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it.”
- “I can tell you about real estate. They’re going to be in love with it.”
- “We’ll make it exciting” – referencing the potential for new hotels, office buildings, and housing developments.
- “Under U.S. authority” – when asked under what legal framework the U.S. could take control of Gaza.
While Trump denied threatening to withhold U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees, his latest comments contradict remarks from Monday, when he suggested aid cuts were possible.
King Abdullah Rejects Forced Displacement of Palestinians
King Abdullah largely avoided direct responses during the press event, but after the meeting, he took to social media to reaffirm Jordan’s strong opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians.
King Abdullah’s Response:
- “Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
- “This is the unified Arab position.”
- “Achieving just peace on the basis of the two-state solution is the way to ensure regional stability. This requires U.S. leadership.”
Jordan, which already hosts over 2 million Palestinian refugees, has consistently rejected any proposal to relocate more Palestinians from Gaza. Egypt has echoed similar concerns, citing both security risks and the need to uphold Palestinian territorial rights.
Trump Sets Unofficial Deadline for Hamas Hostage Release
Trump also threatened the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, suggesting that if Hamas does not release all remaining Israeli hostages by midday Saturday, the truce could end.
Trump’s Warning:
“I don’t think they’re going to make the deadline, personally. They want to play tough guy. We’ll see how tough they are.”
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, claiming this is delaying further hostage releases.
Trump Administration Defends Gaza Proposal Amid Criticism
Trump first announced his vision for a U.S.-controlled Gaza last week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing it as “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
His proposal has faced immediate rejection from Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab states, who warn that forcibly removing Palestinians undermines the long-standing goal of a two-state solution.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (Last Week):
“Jordan’s opposition to this idea is firm and unwavering.”
White House Clarification (Marco Rubio & Karoline Leavitt):
“President Trump seeks only a temporary relocation of Palestinians while Gaza is cleared of debris and rebuilt.”
However, Trump contradicted this clarification in a Fox News interview, stating Palestinians would not have a right to return to Gaza.
Trump on Fox News:
“No, they wouldn’t.”
King Abdullah’s Washington Visit Continues
Following his White House meeting, King Abdullah is set to meet with:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- National Security Adviser Mike Waltz
- Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill
He is the third foreign leader to hold an in-person meeting with Trump since his January 20 inauguration.
What’s Next?
- Jordan and Egypt remain firm in rejecting Trump’s Gaza resettlement plan.
- The fragile Gaza ceasefire faces uncertainty amid Trump’s threats over hostage releases.
- Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza raises legal and diplomatic questions.
- King Abdullah’s continued meetings in Washington could provide further insight into Arab world reactions.
The Middle East remains on edge as Trump’s bold proposals clash with regional realities and diplomatic resistance.
