Image Source: France24
World – Jordan’s King Abdullah II announced his country’s decision to admit 2,000 sick children from war-torn Gaza following a “constructive meeting” with President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between Jordan and the United States, particularly around regional peace, security, and stability.
In a post on X, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s firm stance against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, calling it a unified Arab position. He stressed that rebuilding Gaza without displacing its population and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis must remain a priority for all stakeholders.
“I reiterated Jordan’s steadfast position against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. This is the unified Arab position. Rebuilding Gaza without displacing the Palestinians and addressing the dire humanitarian situation should be the priority for all.”
According to King Abdullah, achieving lasting peace requires a just resolution based on the two-state solution. He acknowledged the crucial role of US leadership in this effort, praising President Trump for securing the Gaza ceasefire and expressing hope that all parties will work to maintain it.
“President Trump is a man of peace. He was instrumental in securing the Gaza ceasefire. We look to the US and all stakeholders in ensuring it holds.”
The king also highlighted the need for de-escalation in the West Bank, warning of the broader implications of rising tensions on regional stability. He called on all parties to collaborate to prevent further deterioration.
“We will continue to play an active role with our partners to reach a just and comprehensive peace for everyone in the region.”
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Trump’s Unwavering Position on Gaza
Despite global condemnation regarding the US desire to control Gaza, President Trump remains steadfast in his vision, claiming that “we are going to take it, and we are going to hold it,” insisting that the move will bring long-term peace and prosperity to the region.
He dismissed concerns about sovereignty, describing Gaza as a “war-torn area” with “nothing to buy,” and positioned the US as the ultimate caretaker and developer of the territory.
Furthermore, Trump reaffirmed his promise to create jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and turn Gaza into an economic hub that would benefit the entire Middle East, claiming that the Palestinians remain only because they have nowhere else to go.
He described their situation as dire, insisting that once an alternative is provided, no one would choose to stay in Gaza.
“They only want to be in the Gaza Strip because they don’t know anything else. They’ve never had an alternative, and they don’t want to be in the Gaza Strip, but they have no choice. They have to be there, and they’re being killed at levels that nobody’s ever seen.”
“No place in the world is as dangerous as the Gaza Strip. They don’t want to be there; they have no alternative. When they have an alternative, not one person will want to stay where they are. Nobody wants to stay there. They’re living in hell; it’s a death trap.”
Despite Trump’s insistence that Palestinians in Gaza will have a parcel of land in Jordan and a parcel of land in Egypt where they can live “very happily and very safely,” King Abdullah remained measured in his response, emphasising that any decision must prioritise the long-term peace and stability of the region.
While he acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the king avoided committing outright to the relocation plan, instead stressing the importance of consultation with other Arab nations and ensuring the best interests of his country, the Palestinians, and the broader Arab world.
“As I said earlier, the president is looking at Egypt coming to present that plan. We will be in Saudi Arabia to discuss how we can work with the president and with the United States. So, I think let’s wait until the Egyptians can come and present to the president and not get ahead of ourselves.”
“I have to look at the best interest of my country. I think the president is very happy that we do this thing with 2,000 children as quickly as possible. And again, I believe that the president is looking forward to getting a group of us Arabs here to discuss the overall plan.”
When asked if the US would withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they didn’t go along with the US ownership plans for the Gaza Strip, Trump stated, “I don’t have to threaten with money. We do contribute a lot of money to Jordan and Egypt … I don’t have to threaten with [money]. We’re above that.”
