During a White House meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his controversial plan for the United States to take control of Gaza and relocate its Palestinian residents. As I report, King Abdullah firmly opposed the idea [1], emphasizing Jordan’s rejection of forced displacement while maintaining a diplomatic tone. Trump, however, remained insistent, describing Gaza as “a death trap” and suggesting that Palestinians could be relocated to land in Jordan and Egypt. While the Jordanian king avoided a direct confrontation, he later issued a statement underscoring his country’s “steadfast position” against such measures.
The proposal has drawn international criticism, with legal experts warning that forced population transfers violate international law. Jordan, home to a significant Palestinian population, faces internal political risks from any large-scale resettlement, and Egypt has also rejected the plan. Instead, Cairo is working with regional partners to propose an alternative governance model for Gaza.
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Despite mounting opposition, Trump continues to frame his vision as a redevelopment opportunity, comparing it to a real estate project. His comments that displaced Palestinians “would not have the right to return” have further fueled concerns. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 74% of Americans oppose the idea of US control over Gaza.
King Abdullah’s careful response reflects Jordan’s need to balance its close alliance with the US while managing domestic and regional pressures. While he rejected Trump’s broader plan, he did agree to take in 2,000 sick Palestinian children for medical treatment.
As I detail in my full report, with Jordan and Egypt pushing back, the future of Gaza remains uncertain. Read the full article [1] to explore the diplomatic fallout and the stakes for the region.