Trump Asserts U.S. Authority Over Gaza Amid Criticism from Jordan
President Trump claimed the U.S. has the authority to control Gaza during a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. He suggested that other nations could absorb the displaced Palestinians. Abdullah did not directly support Trump’s proposal, urging consultations with other Arab countries. Previous rejections of this idea by Jordan and Egypt were acknowledged.
During a recent meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Donald Trump claimed that the United States possesses the authority to “take” control of Gaza. He expressed the belief that other regional nations would accommodate the Palestinian population currently residing there. Trump stated, “We will have Gaza. It’s a war-torn area. We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it. We’re going to cherish it.”
These comments were made at an impromptu press gathering at the White House, highlighting pressure on King Abdullah, who remarked positively about Trump’s contribution to peace in the region yet refrained from responding directly to the president’s controversial proposal. The meeting also included Crown Prince Hussein and came shortly after Trump’s previous assertion that the U.S. should seize Gaza and that Jordan and Egypt should resettle approximately two million displaced Palestinians.
Both Jordan and Egypt had previously rejected this proposal when Trump introduced it during a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On this occasion, when questioned about the forced relocation of Gazans to facilitate U.S. control over the territory, King Abdullah declined to affirm Trump’s suggestions. Instead, he emphasized the importance of consulting with other Arab nations, including Egypt.
In summary, President Trump’s discussion on the U.S. seizing Gaza raised significant concerns among regional leaders. His assertion that the U.S. could “take” Gaza and the call for neighboring countries to resettle Palestinians prompted careful responses from King Abdullah II. The prevailing sentiment remains one of caution regarding any forced displacement of individuals in the conflict-ravaged territory.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
