President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan suggesting that the United States could assume control over Gaza, transforming it into "the Riviera of the Middle East". This ambitious proposal includes relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries without granting them the right to return. During a meeting at the White House with Jordan's King Abdullah II, Trump discussed his vision, which comes at a critical time for the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The meeting between Trump and King Abdullah II occurred as tensions simmered over the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Both Egypt and Jordan have privately expressed concerns about absorbing large numbers of additional refugees, which Trump's plan entails. Jordan's Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, emphasized his country's staunch opposition to the proposal, stating that their stance is "firm and unwavering". Jordan, hosting more than 2 million Palestinians, has unequivocally rejected the relocation plan.
Trump's vision of controlling Gaza under "U.S. authority" lacks detailed explanation, yet he insists it would not involve American financial commitments. He stated that no U.S. funds would be allocated to Gaza's reconstruction, and initially did not rule out deploying U.S. troops to secure the region. Despite this, Trump assured that America would assume control without purchasing involvement:
"We're not going to buy anything. We're going to have it." – Trump
The proposal also suggests cancelling a precarious ceasefire between Hamas and Israel should Hamas fail to release remaining hostages by midday on Saturday. Trump's assertion contradicts his earlier suggestion of withholding aid from Washington as leverage. The hostage situation remains delicate, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the truce and halting further hostage releases since its attack on October 7, 2023.
King Abdullah II's response to Trump's plan was one of cautious optimism regarding regional peace and stability:
"I finally see somebody that can take us across the finish line to bring stability, peace and prosperity to all of us in the region." – The king (King Abdullah II)
However, Jordan remains firmly against the relocation element of Trump's proposal. The king's visit to Washington underscores the regional complexities and security concerns that such a plan entails.
Despite Trump's assurance that no American funds would be used for Gaza's reconstruction, he did not dismiss the possibility of U.S. military involvement. This raises questions about the feasibility and implications of his plan, particularly considering regional opposition and geopolitical realities.
Trump's strategy, which involves Palestinians in Gaza having no right of return under his plan, is likely to face significant international scrutiny. The suggestion that neighboring countries absorb displaced Palestinians poses diplomatic challenges for both Egypt and Jordan. As these countries grapple with their own security concerns, welcoming a large influx of refugees might exacerbate existing tensions.
As the deadline for Hamas to release hostages approaches, Trump remains skeptical about their intentions:
"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." – Trump
The future of Gaza remains uncertain as Trump's bold proposal unfolds against a backdrop of regional instability.
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