Trump Asserts U.S. Authority Over Gaza During Meeting with Jordan’s King
President Trump claimed the U.S. has the authority to “take” Gaza during a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan. He suggested that the U.S. would hold and cherish the territory, while Jordan and Egypt should resettle displaced Palestinians. King Abdullah did not openly support the idea, instead advocating for consultations with other Arab nations.
During a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Trump asserted that the United States possesses the authority to “take” Gaza. He expressed a determination to claim the region, suggesting that the U.S. would not only control Gaza but also hold and maintain it. This assertion came amidst ongoing discussions about the status of Palestinians who reside in Gaza and potential resettlement with the cooperation of Jordan and Egypt.
Trump’s comments during the press interaction added pressure on King Abdullah, who sought to navigate the sensitive topic carefully. The Jordanian monarch praised Trump as a peace advocate in the Middle East but refrained from endorsing the notion of forcibly displacing Palestinians. Instead, he called for consultations with other Arab nations, notably Egypt, regarding the implications of any territorial decisions.
Previous discussions had seen both Jordan and Egypt reject Trump’s proposal to resettle approximately two million Palestinians from Gaza. Despite the president’s repeated assertions about U.S. control over Gaza, Abdullah did not directly oppose the idea. His focus remained on collaboration among Arab states to address the complex issues surrounding the Palestinian population in the region, ensuring they are included in any future plans.
In summary, President Trump’s declaration of U.S. authority over Gaza sparked significant diplomatic tension, particularly with King Abdullah II. The implications of displacing Palestinians were met with reservations from Jordan and Egypt, highlighting the necessity for broader Arab involvement in addressing the region’s challenges. The discussions reveal the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly concerning territorial claims and the fate of displaced populations.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
