King Abdullah II of Jordan is gearing up for a crucial meeting with President Trump concerning the controversial Gaza plan, where Trump has threatened to cut aid if Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept displaced Palestinians. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, and Abdullah has rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians or control their territories, while expressing concerns over their economic dependencies on US aid. The discussions come amid regional backlash and in the context of historical tensions surrounding Palestinian refugees in Jordan.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II will engage in critical discussions with President Donald Trump at the White House, as opposition mounts from Arab countries against Trump’s contentious Gaza plan. This meeting follows Trump’s recent comments suggesting he might suspend billions in US aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept displaced Palestinians, a plan Trump has proposed amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The talks are taking place just after threats from Trump warning of severe consequences should Hamas not release hostages. Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein’s private session with Trump is designed to address the ongoing Gaza crisis and US expectations for refugee resettlement. The Jordanian royal court confirmed they also met with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz prior to their meeting with Trump.
King Abdullah has firmly opposed any efforts to control Palestinian territories, indicating his strong disapproval of the displacement of Palestinians outlined in Trump’s recent proposal, which aims to reshape Gaza into an economic hub while strictly controlling Palestinian residency. This plan was initially introduced after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.
Trump has targeted Jordan and Egypt to accept over two million Palestinians under his plan, amid a backdrop of regional discontent towards the proposal. Furthermore, he has hinted at utilizing economic aid as leverage, explicitly stating that he would consider withholding funds if Jordan and Egypt do not accept the plan.
The global response has been largely negative, with widespread condemnation across Arab nations who advocate for a two-state solution, emphasizing the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has echoed calls for reconstruction efforts in Gaza without further displacing its current residents.
Jordan’s historical relationship with its Palestinian population complicates matters, as half of its 11 million residents are of Palestinian descent. The kingdom faces significant risks, having previously experienced violent conflicts during the late 1960s. The economic implications are also critical, with Jordan relying heavily on annual US assistance totaling approximately $1.1 billion.
In conclusion, King Abdullah II’s upcoming discussions with President Trump are pivotal in navigating the contentious Gaza situation, particularly in light of recent threats about US aid. Abdullah’s firm stance against Palestinian displacement and the overarching implications for Jordan’s demographic composition highlight the delicate balance both nations must maintain in their diplomatic relations. The situation remains tense as regional leaders stress the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights and pursuing a viable two-state solution.
Original Source: www.france24.com
