King Abdullah II of Jordan has carefully navigated discussions with Donald Trump regarding a controversial U.S. proposal to relocate former residents of Gaza to Jordan. The plan, which includes purchasing land in Gaza and resettling displaced individuals in Jordan or Egypt, has sparked international condemnation, with Arab nations and the Vatican rejecting it as forced displacement.
While Abdullah II strongly opposed the idea, he avoided direct confrontation with Trump, opting instead for diplomatic engagement. Following their meeting, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the plan, claiming it would bring stability to the Middle East. Asked about his stance, Abdullah II responded strategically, stating that discussions were still ongoing and that any resolution must consider the interests of all involved, including Jordan.
The Jordanian king has already agreed to accept 2,000 sick and injured children from Gaza, a move that Trump welcomed, calling it “music to his ears.” However, Trump also warned that Jordan risked losing U.S. financial aid if it rejected the broader resettlement plan. Jordan is one of the largest recipients of American assistance.
With an upcoming Arab summit in Riyadh, Abdullah II’s approach has given regional leaders more time to evaluate Trump’s proposal. Egypt, another major U.S. ally, is expected to play a key role in shaping the response. Meanwhile, sources suggest that Trump’s team has yet to draft a detailed, written plan for the resettlement and redevelopment of Gaza.
Jordan faces domestic challenges tied to past refugee resettlements. The country previously absorbed large numbers of Palestinians, leading to social and political tensions that persist today. Many Jordanians fear that accepting more displaced individuals could disrupt national stability.
Despite these concerns, Trump remains firm, insisting that relocating Gaza’s population will improve their lives and eliminate the security threats posed by Hamas. He also reminded Egypt and Jordan of their financial reliance on U.S. aid, implying that their decisions should align with American interests.
The proposal presents a major dilemma for Jordan and its Arab allies—whether to accept displaced Palestinians and manage the consequences or reject the plan and risk losing crucial U.S. support.
