President Trump's proposal to permanently resettle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip complicates relations with allies in the Arab world.
His meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan stands as a troubling moment as Trump continues to propose that the country of Abdullah takes over more Palestinians.
But Trump's proposal met a sudden opposition from the Arab world, which views Palestinian resettlement as a non-starter, in addition to opposing decades of US foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It's been done.
“Arab countries and global leaders have opposed the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and the urgent need to rebuild Gaza, allowing people to live with dignity and safety,” the statement said. And a Muslim American advocacy group.
“We hope that future meetings with the King of Jordan in particular will strengthen these concerns, underscore the need to maintain international law and prevent the movement of millions of Palestinians.” Awad added.
Trump sent shockwaves last week as he passed through the Middle East and proposed that the US control the Gaza Strip and rebuild it. He has since provided new details of his vision, including the lack of involvement of the US military, while sending mixed messages about the fate of the Palestinians.
For weeks, the president has said he wants to see the region's Jordan, Egypt and other countries acquire Palestinians migrating from Gaza.
The White House suggests that the relocation is temporary, but Gaza will be rebuilt – officials say it will take 10 to 15 years, but Trump hasn't got much of a long-term plan for displaced people It wasn't clear.
“I hope they can do really, really good things in places they don't want to go back. Why do they want to go back? Trump told reporters last week along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. .
But Trump told Fox News' Bret Bayer in a Super Bowl interview that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza after they were rebuilt “because they have far better housing.”
“In other words, I'm talking about building permanent sites for them. It's going to happen many years ago,” Trump said.
But Trump's proposal has flattened with the Arab countries, the key to making it happen.
Leaders in the region say efforts to drive away Palestinians and move to neighboring countries are non-starters. Egypt and Jordan – countries with peace treaties with Israel oppose the absorption of more Palestinians, threatening to pose security risks, become unstable and cause public opposition There is.
Jordan already houses around 3 million Palestinians, many of whom have been displaced by previous wars.
Egypt announced on Sunday that it would host the Arab nations' summit on February 27th to discuss the latest developments on the future of the Palestinians.Associated Press.
Some experts have suggested that Trump's proposal could be a negotiation tactic to ensure commitment to protecting borders using tariff threats against Mexico and Canada.
But Trump administration officials are promoting the president's proposal as a ready-to-use proposal to address decades of muddy quagmire.
“Now is the time for other governments and other powers in the region, some of these very rich countries to basically say. We are going to pay for this, we are going to move forward. Marco Secretary of State Rubio said Monday in Sirius XM.
“None of them offer to offer it,” he added. “And while I don't think you can claim that you are a fighter who is a Palestinian advocate, you're not going to do anything to help rebuild Gaza.”
Rubio is scheduled to travel to the Middle East later this week with plans to suspend in Israel, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Trump's controversial proposals serve as the backdrop for Tuesday's important meeting, where the president hosts the King of Jordan in the White House.
While in Washington, Abdullah will meet with Trump, Rubio, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz, envoys for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and members of Congress. Abdullah met with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses on Sunday.
White House officials did not respond to requests for comment on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, but Gaza's proposal is expected to be central to the visit.
Abdullah met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday. Mahmoud Abbas was the day after Trump first came to the idea of taking over Gaza. Royal Court of Jordan Posted on social mediaFollowing that meeting, Abdullah “emphasizes the need to halt the expansion of the settlement and expresses his rejection of attempts to annex and replace the Palestinians.”
A former Biden White House national security aide claimed Trump's comments about Gaza were “starting it with a rather rough memo” by covering the meeting.
“We drive a wedge with our allies, especially in pursuit of unrealistic goals, causing great heartburn in the area for our allies. That makes no sense,” the aide said.
Alex Gangitano contributed.
