King Abdullah II of Jordan is set to meet President Trump amid escalating tensions over the Gaza situation and U.S. aid. Trump has threatened to withdraw assistance if Jordan and Egypt do not accept Palestinians under his controversial plan. The discussions are crucial in light of Jordan’s significant Palestinian population and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is poised for a challenging meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House regarding the contentious issue of Gaza. This meeting, set for Tuesday, follows Trump’s recent statements suggesting he could halt billions of dollars in U.S. aid to Jordan and Egypt should they refuse to accept Palestinians displaced under his Gaza plan. The backdrop to these discussions is a precarious ceasefire in Gaza, with Trump warning of severe consequences if Hamas does not release hostages by Saturday.
King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein are scheduled to meet with President Trump in the Oval Office, which will be conducted privately, followed by a lunch. Earlier, Abdullah met with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to further discuss these concerns. The Jordanian monarch has voiced strong opposition to any plans that would displace Palestinians and firmly rejected Trump’s Gaza takeover proposition, emphasizing the importance of Palestinian rights during these talks.
President Trump recently proposed that the U.S. would take control of Gaza and enhance its infrastructure, referring to plans of transforming it into the “Riviera of the Middle East” but only after resettling Palestinians elsewhere, negating their right to return. As part of his strategy, Trump has intensified pressure on Jordan and Egypt to accommodate over two million Palestinians from Gaza, indicating that failure to comply could lead to a re-evaluation of U.S. financial assistance.
On the eve of his meeting with King Abdullah, President Trump reiterated the potential for withholding aid to Jordan and Egypt, suggesting, “If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold it.” His comments raise significant concerns, especially given that approximately half of Jordan’s 11 million population is of Palestinian descent. In light of the delicate historical context, including the events of Black September in 1970, Jordan is acutely aware of the potential ramifications of this policy.
In summary, King Abdullah II’s upcoming discussions with President Trump highlight the fraught nature of U.S. foreign policy concerning Gaza and the Palestinian issue. The Jordanian monarch’s firm stance against displacement plans reflects deep-seated concerns about national stability and the rights of Palestinians. Tensions are exacerbated by Trump’s threats to curtail crucial financial aid, prompting Jordan to navigate a precarious diplomatic landscape as it asserts its position against the backdrop of external pressures and historical complexities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
