• Trump reiterates controversial plan for the US to take control of Gaza and resettle its Palestinian residents.
• King Abdullah II expresses Jordan's official opposition to displacing Palestinians, urging for a solution that maintains their rights.
• The meeting exacerbates existing tensions within a fragile ceasefire in the region amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In a high-stakes meeting on February 11, 2025, President Donald Trump faced off against Jordan's King Abdullah II regarding Trump's contentious proposal for the United States to assume control of Gaza, displacing its current Palestinian residents to Jordan and Egypt. This encounter, the first between Trump and an Arab leader since his second term began, highlighted the deep divisions in regional responses to US foreign policy concerning Palestine.

Trump's proposal, which envisions turning Gaza into what he referred to as the "Riviera of the Middle East," has met with significant backlash from Arab nations, including Jordan. Abdullah, voicing the stance of many in the Arab world, reaffirmed that the displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable and would exacerbate tensions and regional instability. "This is the unified Arab position," he stated emphatically following their discussions.

During the meeting, Trump insisted that if Jordan and Egypt did not comply with his plans to relocate Palestinians, he would reconsider US aid to these countries. "We contribute a lot of money to Jordan, and to Egypt by the way - a lot to both," Trump warned while indicating that he expected both nations to house the displaced population. Nevertheless, Abdullah remained firm that his country would not acquiesce to forced displacements. In a diplomatic maneuver, he suggested Jordan could temporarily take in 2,000 sick children from Gaza but refrained from endorsing more permanent resettlement.

Amidst these discussions, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains perilous, with both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu threatening to resume military actions unless Hamas returns all Israeli hostages by a set deadline. Trump's remarks have only added fuel to the fire, as he stated: "all bets are off" should the deadline pass without compliance, highlighting the already tense atmosphere surrounding the conflict.

Public opinion indicates a significant number of Americans, around 74% according to a recent poll, oppose the idea of taking control of Gaza and displacing its inhabitants, revealing a complicated backdrop of domestic and foreign tensions. As King Abdullah continues to navigate the complexities of Jordan's relationship with the US while advocating for Palestinian rights, the future of Trump’s proposal and its potential impact on the region remain uncertain.

For a more in-depth understanding, refer to the full articles on Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.