Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah Set for Tense Talks Amid Gaza Resettlement Dispute

Donald Trump meets Jordan’s King Abdullah as tensions rise over Gaza redevelopment and Palestinian resettlement concerns. The high-stakes discussion could reshape U.S.-Middle East relations.

A High-Stakes Diplomatic Encounter

In a meeting fraught with tension, Donald Trump is set to sit down with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday to discuss the U.S. president’s controversial proposal for Gaza’s redevelopment. The encounter comes amid rising regional tensions following Trump’s suggestion that Gaza could be transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” a plan that has faced widespread rejection across the Arab world.

Trump’s proposal, which envisions relocating Palestinians from war-torn Gaza and revitalizing the territory under U.S. oversight, has sparked diplomatic unease. Arab leaders, including King Abdullah, have expressed strong opposition, viewing the plan as a forced displacement that could destabilize the region.

The Gaza Proposal and Its Fallout

Trump’s idea to rebuild Gaza as a modern coastal hub comes at a precarious time. The territory remains embroiled in conflict, with a fragile ceasefire in place between Israel and Hamas. However, tensions flared further on Monday when Hamas announced it would halt hostage releases, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire agreements. In response, Trump suggested that the ceasefire be revoked if Hamas did not release the remaining hostages by the weekend.

The situation places immense pressure on Arab leaders, particularly King Abdullah, who has long advocated for Palestinian sovereignty and opposes any forced resettlement. The Jordanian monarch has warned that attempts to alter Gaza’s demographics could trigger radicalization and wider instability, potentially jeopardizing Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel.

Jordan’s Resistance and the Aid Dilemma

Jordan, home to over two million Palestinian refugees, has repeatedly rejected any plans that could increase its already significant refugee burden. The country’s leadership fears that accepting more displaced Palestinians could heighten internal unrest and alter Jordan’s delicate demographic balance.

Despite this, Trump has remained insistent, hinting at economic pressure tactics. When asked if he would cut aid to Jordan and Egypt should they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees, Trump responded, “Yeah, maybe, sure, why not… if they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid.” The U.S. currently provides Jordan with over $1 billion annually in military and economic assistance, making it one of the region’s most aid-dependent nations.

A Longstanding Alliance Under Strain

Jordan has long relied on Washington as its principal economic and security partner. However, relations between Jordan and Israel, which signed a peace treaty in 1994, have remained tense, particularly under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. Netanyahu has stated that Trump’s proposal deserves exploration, adding another layer of complexity to Jordan’s position.

For King Abdullah, Tuesday’s meeting presents a critical moment to reaffirm Jordan’s stance against resettlement while navigating the country’s indispensable relationship with the U.S. The outcome of this high-level meeting could shape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and influence the Biden administration’s future foreign policy moves.

Looking Ahead: Diplomatic Challenges and Regional Stability

With tensions mounting and no clear resolution in sight, the coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of U.S.-Jordan relations. Trump’s unwavering stance and Abdullah’s firm opposition suggest a contentious discussion ahead, with broader implications for Middle East stability.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether Trump moderates his approach or escalates economic pressure on Jordan. Meanwhile, regional leaders remain wary of any plans that could exacerbate existing tensions and further complicate the Israel-Palestine conflict.

As the world awaits the outcome of this crucial meeting, one thing is certain: the decisions made today could shape the Middle East’s future for years to come.

Source:  (Reuters)

(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and current diplomatic discussions. Details may evolve, and readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for the latest updates.)

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