President Donald Trump recently hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House, sparking discussions about resettling Palestinian refugees in Jordan and neighboring Arab countries to rebuild Gaza. The visit, which took place on Feb. 11, follows Trump’s announcement on Feb. 4 that the U.S. plans to “take over” the Gaza Strip to bring stability to the region.
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump revealed his intention to assume a “long-term ownership position” in Gaza. This proposal immediately faced backlash from Arab nations, prompting Egypt to call for an emergency Arab Summit on Feb. 27 to address the situation.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump expressed confidence that King Abdullah would agree to welcome Palestinians into Jordan and suggested that other countries might follow suit. Despite this optimism, the President warned that withholding aid from Jordan was a possibility if the country refused to accept Palestinian refugees.
The U.S. provided nearly $1.7 billion in foreign aid to Jordan in fiscal year 2023, according to the State Department. Trump’s plan for Gaza involves transforming it into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” emphasizing economic development and job creation to improve the lives of its inhabitants.
While Trump initially stated that “all” Palestinians would be removed from Gaza, the White House clarified that this would be a temporary measure during the reconstruction period. Despite this clarification, Trump stood by his assertion that Palestinians would not return to Gaza under his plan.
### Mixed Reactions and Lawmakers’ Responses
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill had varying responses to Trump’s proposal. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons expressed disbelief, calling the plan “insane.” In contrast, Republican Sen. John Thune appeared unfazed, suggesting that Trump’s goal was to promote peace and security in the Middle East by introducing new ideas.
As discussions continue surrounding the resettlement of Palestinian refugees and the future of Gaza, the situation remains complex and multifaceted. The Associated Press contributed to this report, shedding light on the intricacies of the ongoing dialogue and the potential implications of Trump’s bold proposal.
Diana Stancy, a politics reporter with Fox News Digital, provides insightful coverage of the White House and its interactions with foreign leaders. As the story unfolds, it highlights the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and strategic decision-making in addressing the region’s long-standing challenges.
President Donald Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah II marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address the Palestinian refugee crisis and rebuild Gaza. The dynamics between the U.S., Arab nations, and regional leaders underscore the complexities of international relations and the delicate balance of power in the Middle East.
The evolving narrative surrounding Trump’s plan for Gaza invites scrutiny, debate, and critical analysis from experts, policymakers, and the public. As the story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the intricacies and nuances of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian aid in the global arena.
