P resident Donald Trump has reiterated his stance that the United States should take control of the Gaza Strip, despite global condemnation and significant pushback from key allies like Jordan and Egypt. During a meeting at the White House with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday, Trump defended his controversial proposal to resettle Gaza's two million Palestinian residents in neighboring countries, including Jordan.
Trump suggested that the US would take over the Gaza Strip and relocate its population, claiming that it would lead to job creation and potentially turn the region into a "diamond." He emphasized that the initiative would improve living conditions for Palestinians, even as it contradicts decades of established US policy and risks breaching international law, which prohibits the forcible transfer of populations.
The proposal has faced harsh criticism from Jordan, a key US ally already home to millions of Palestinian refugees. King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s position against the displacement of Palestinians, saying, “This is the unified Arab position,” and highlighted the importance of rebuilding Gaza without forcing Palestinians to leave.
Despite this, Trump remains committed to the plan and suggested that Jordan and Egypt would be integral to housing resettled Palestinians. “We may have someplace else, but I think when we finish our talks, we’ll have a place where they’re going to live very happily and very safely,” Trump said.
Egypt has also rejected the idea, with its foreign ministry releasing a statement emphasizing that any foreign intervention should align with Palestinians’ legal rights to remain on their land. Egypt has proposed a comprehensive vision for Gaza’s reconstruction, ensuring Palestinian presence in the area.
The United Nations has strongly warned against forced displacement, describing it as a violation of international law, akin to ethnic cleansing. However, Trump deflected questions about this legal concern, stating that Palestinians would be moved to “beautiful locations” with better housing and healthcare.
King Abdullah, while acknowledging a “constructive” discussion with Trump, underscored the need for a solution that benefits all parties and keeps the focus on Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian needs. He also mentioned that the matter would be further discussed with Egyptian officials, who are believed to be formulating an alternative proposal for Gaza's future governance.
Trump has not wavered in his commitment to the plan, which he previously outlined with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. He stated in a recent Fox News interview that the two million Gaza residents would be permanently resettled, with no right to return. "They wouldn’t, because they have much better housing," Trump asserted.
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