The Trump administration is facing diplomatic tension as it unveils a controversial plan to reshape the future of Gaza. President Donald Trump's strategy includes potentially withholding U.S. aid from Jordan and Egypt should they not endorse his vision of transforming Gaza into a thriving region.
Jordan's King Abdullah II, who is pivotal in the ongoing humanitarian assistance to Gaza, was scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House. The meeting comes amid Trump's push for Egypt and Jordan to absorb nearly two million Palestinians, a proposal aimed at redeveloping Gaza into what he describes as the Riviera of the Middle East. This move has met significant resistance from leaders across the Middle East.
King Abdullah has voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the necessity to halt Israeli settlement expansions and refusing any attempts to annex land or force Palestinian displacement. His statements follow Trump's surprising announcement about the Gaza redevelopment plan.
Since the announcement, the Jordanian King has been actively engaging with international allies, including the United Nations, to build a coalition against Trump's proposal. Despite this, Trump's determination remains unchanged. In a Fox News interview, he claimed Palestinians relocated from Gaza would enjoy superior living conditions in their new homes.
The U.S. President has signaled his willingness to apply economic pressure on Egypt and Jordan, suggesting that aid could be suspended if these nations do not align with his plan. Trump's top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is set to visit the Middle East, meeting with key figures from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, to gather support.
Rubio's stance on Trump's plan seems less clear. While touring Central America, he was reticent when questioned about Palestinian return rights, indicating that any change to Gaza's situation would require interim accommodations elsewhere. A senior State Department official noted uncertainty about Rubio's approach to the situation during his upcoming Middle Eastern tour.
Furthermore, despite Rubio's suggestion that Middle Eastern leaders show their solutions, Arab foreign ministers have expressed willingness to discuss a two-state solution with the Trump administration, a concept seemingly set aside by the Secretary.
Experts are divided on the viability and impact of Trump's proposal. Ahmed Aboudouh from Chatham House argues that Trump's approach may have already impaired the sensitive peace process and damaged U.S. diplomatic standing. Conversely, Thomas S. Warrick of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative acknowledges the unprecedented focus Trump has brought to postwar Gaza planning but stresses that the approach needs moderating to succeed.
Trump's plan presents a challenging demand from Egypt and Jordan, nations unlikely to alter their stance on accepting additional Palestinian refugees. There appears to be no diplomatic leverage potent enough to sway these countries' leaders, suggesting that direct discussions between Trump and King Abdullah may shed further light on these dynamics.