WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump reiterated his plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the area, even as Jordan's King Abdullah II, during a White House meeting on Tuesday, expressed Arab world opposition. Trump stated Palestinians should be moved to "parcels" in third countries, including Jordan, despite objections from those nations. He asserted US control would bring stability.
Abdullah voiced support for an Egyptian and Arab plan, emphasizing a solution beneficial to all. He later affirmed Jordan's opposition to displacing Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for Gaza's rebuilding without displacement. Trump, however, remained firm on his plan, stating the US would "own" and "cherish" Gaza.
Trump also repeated his warning that "all hell is going to break out" if Hamas doesn't release all hostages by noon on Saturday, adding "all bets are off" regarding the ceasefire deal. He envisions Jordan and Egypt accepting Palestinian refugees to allow for Gaza's redevelopment, potentially leveraging US aid. While suggesting he wouldn't threaten aid, he previously indicated withholding it was conceivable.
Cairo and Amman possess leverage through security policy alignment with Washington and past roles in protecting Israel. Some US officials worry about destabilizing these partners by forcing them to accept refugees. Trump believes these countries will ultimately agree, citing their "good hearts."
Trump's national security advisor, Mike Waltz, suggested Trump's plan aims to spur action on rebuilding Gaza, inviting alternative proposals. Trump maintains his plan is earnest, despite some officials suggesting it's a negotiating tactic. He stated Palestinians wouldn't have a right to return to Gaza, envisioning "permanent" housing elsewhere. Egypt will convene an Arab League summit on February 28 in Cairo to discuss the issue.
Jordan, with a large Palestinian population, faces internal pressures. Opposition figures are calling for a shift away from US alliance. Trump expressed confidence that Jordan and Egypt would provide the necessary land, recalling past discussions with King Abdullah about accepting more refugees. His plan wasn't shared with Jordanian or Egyptian officials before its announcement.
An Arab official noted uncertainty about the plan's details and said Arab officials will propose alternative ideas for Gaza's future that would not involve expelling its Palestinian residents.