King Abdullah rejects Palestinian displacement in White House talks with trump
U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jordan's King Abdullah attend a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard
King Abdullah II of Jordan has firmly rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing that the reconstruction of the enclave must not come at the cost of its people.
His remarks followed a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
The Jordanian leader, the first Arab head of state to meet Trump since he took office last month, stressed that his position aligns with the unified stance of the Arab world. “Everyone’s priority should be the reconstruction of Gaza without displacing its people,” King Abdullah declared, reaffirming his commitment to a two-state solution as the only path to regional stability.
He also underscored the pivotal role of US leadership in the peace process, calling Trump a “man of peace” in a post on X.
Trump, however, doubled down on his controversial proposal for the US to take control of Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians be relocated elsewhere while the Strip is redeveloped into the ‘Riviera of the Middle East’.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with King Abdullah, the US president boasted of plans to “take it, hold it, and cherish it”, drawing parallels between Gaza’s future and a luxury real estate project.
While clarifying that he wouldn’t personally oversee the development, he insisted that Gaza could become a “diamond” for the region, fostering jobs and economic prosperity.
King Abdullah responded by emphasizing that Jordan, like other Arab nations, rejects any forced relocation of Palestinians.
However, he agreed to accept 2,000 Palestinian children from Gaza, many in need of urgent cancer treatment. He expressed hope that Trump could play a key role in resolving the crisis, stating, “It is our collective responsibility in the Middle East to continue working with you to achieve those worthy goals.”
He refrained from further comment on Trump’s Gaza proposals, stating that Egypt’s stance must also be considered.
Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s planned visit to Washington next week has been postponed indefinitely, amid growing tensions over Trump’s pressure on Egypt and Jordan to absorb displaced Palestinians.
Trump’s plan has sparked outrage across the Arab world and much of Europe, with leaders and international organizations condemning it as ethnic cleansing.
His threats to withhold US aid from Egypt and Jordan if they refused to comply further inflamed tensions. However, during Tuesday’s talks, Trump appeared to soften his stance, telling reporters, “I do think we’re above that.”
Despite diplomatic tensions, King Abdullah maintained that the focus should remain on peace and stability, advocating for a just resolution that ensures the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people while preventing further regional turmoil.
