President Donald Trump's recent meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II focused on Trump's proposal to redevelop the Gaza Strip into a 'Riviera of the Middle East.' Trump aims to negotiate a deal with Jordan and Egypt to accept millions of new Palestinian refugees, leveraging American aid as a bargaining chip.
However, both Jordan and Egypt have expressed concerns about the potential destabilizing effects of accepting new refugees. Egypt plans to convene an emergency Arab League summit to address the issue, while Jordan, with a significant Palestinian population, faces delicate demographic challenges.
Trump's proposal, which includes not allowing Palestinians to return to Gaza once they leave, has faced swift rejection from both countries. Despite the opposition, Trump remains confident in his ability to negotiate a solution, believing that Jordan and Egypt will eventually agree to provide the necessary land for the project.
The plan has raised existential questions for King Abdullah, particularly as Jordan grapples with internal dissent and potential shifts in geopolitical alliances. A destabilized Jordan could have significant repercussions for the United States and Israel, complicating Trump's vision of relocating Palestinian refugees to the region.
While Trump has acknowledged the challenges, he remains optimistic about the feasibility of his plan. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Abdullah will likely delve further into the complexities of the proposal and its implications for the region.
