Key Takeaways:

• Donald Trump reiterated his plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, suggesting the permanent relocation of its residents.
• Jordan's King Abdullah II firmly opposed the displacement of Palestinians, asserting that it contradicts Arab unity and international law.
• Egypt is preparing a proposal for Gaza's reconstruction that respects Palestinian residency and rights.
• Trump indicated potential aid shifts to Jordan and Egypt to enforce compliance with his plan but later softened his rhetoric.
• Hamas and Palestinian factions have united against Trump's suggestions, branding them as violations of fundamental rights.

In a highly contentious meeting at the White House on February 11, former President Donald Trump restated his controversial plan for the U.S. to assume control over the Gaza Strip, aiming to relocate its population amid escalating tensions in the region. Trump announced that he intends to transform Gaza into what he referred to as the "Riviera of the Middle East," pledging opportunities for job creation and stability in a region plagued by conflict. SCMP reported on Trump's meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II, who, despite engaging with Trump, expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of such a plan.

King Abdullah’s Response

During the discussions, King Abdullah emphasized Jordan's steadfast opposition to any plan involving the forcible displacement of Palestinians. He stated that this stance reflects a unified Arab position, one that prioritizes the restoration of Gaza without uprooting its people. Abdullah highlighted the precarious situation in Jordan, where over 2 million Palestinians already live, as he articulated that the nation could only consider accepting a limited number of sick children from Gaza for medical treatment, a point he made alongside a proposal for Palestinian resettlements driven by regional cooperation.Channel News Asia reported on this delicate balancing act.

Egypt's Alternative Approach

Egypt, under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has offered its own vision for Gaza's reconstruction, asserting that the Palestinian people have the right to remain in their homeland. The Egyptian foreign ministry announced plans to present a comprehensive proposal that aligns with Palestinian legal rights and the broader quest for a just resolution to the conflict. They emphasized that their initiative seeks to avoid actions that might jeopardize gains achieved through diplomacy in the region, as highlighted in reports from the ABC News.

Impact on U.S. Aid and Regional Dynamics

Despite Trump's assertions about Jordan and Egypt's potential acceptance of displaced Palestinians, both nations have firmly rejected the idea. Trump’s earlier threats to reconsider funding were somewhat retracted during his meeting with Abdullah, as he indicated he wouldn’t need to leverage aid to get compliance. This approach aims to maintain relations with key Arab states, amid rising tensions and uncertainty following ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, exacerbated by demands placed upon Palestinian factions for the release of hostages. As reported by LA Times, the situation remains precarious, with conflicting interests among regional powers and the potential for escalating violence.

As tensions continue, the international community watches closely as Arab nations finalize plans to counter Trump's proposals, which many view as tantamount to an act of ethnic cleansing. Observations from analysts suggest that the stakes are high not just for the Palestinians but for the stability of Jordan and the larger Middle East landscape as well.

For more depth on these developing events, visit Al Jazeera for continuous updates and analysis.