(Sky News): During a meeting at the White House, Donald Trump reaffirmed his intention for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, despite resistance from regional leaders. The discussion included Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who strongly opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians.
In the past, Trump had threatened to stop providing funding to Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations if they did not take in Palestinian refugees. King Abdullah clarified, however, that Jordan would only accept 2,000 ill children in need of medical attention and would not accept any more refugees.
The Jordanian monarch stressed that a solution must benefit all parties—Jordanians, Americans, and others in the area. He was adamantly opposed to the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, as he later reaffirmed on X.
Trump insisted that moving two million Palestinians was a little matter in spite of the King's protests, calling them a "very small number of people." Abdullah remained silent as Trump pushed forward with his relocation plans.
Trump claimed that Palestinians only want to remain in Gaza because they have never known any alternative. He argued that with proper relocation efforts, they could live “happily and very safely” in Jordan, Egypt, or another location.
He also justified his plan by stating that Gaza had become the most dangerous place in the world, with people being killed at unprecedented levels. According to him, "no place in the world is as dangerous as the Gaza Strip."
Trump asserted that "not one person" wants to remain in Gaza, implying that relocation would be a better option for them, in contrast to comments from Palestinians themselves.
Trump brushed aside worries that his plan might be deemed ethnic cleansing in violation of international law. He demanded that the Palestinians who had been uprooted be relocated to a "beautiful location."
Despite his earlier threats to withdraw aid from uncooperative nations, Trump appeared to soften his stance during the press conference. He stated that such threats were unnecessary, adding, "I do believe we’re above that."
When asked if the United States would have to buy Gaza, Trump responded that there was "nothing to buy." He was adamant that the United States would just "have it" and "hold it."
Now, Trump claims, Gaza is in ruins, its civilization "wiped out." He promised that it would become an economic development center under U.S. supervision.
However, when asked how the United States would run Gaza without putting a strain on taxpayers, Trump didn't provide any information. He merely said, "We’re intending to run it very efficiently and eventually we’ll see economic growth at a very large scale."
"With the United States in charge of that piece of land, you're going to see stability in the Middle East for the first time," he said, promising that the United States' occupation of Gaza will bring about enduring peace.
Additionally, Trump reaffirmed that the Palestinians who were evacuated would live "beautifully in another location," out of danger and conflict.
He brushed off worries about recurring displacement cycles, claiming that Palestinians would no longer be threatened with expulsion "every 10 years."
Trump promised that his government will manage Gaza well and bring prosperity to the area, despite the fact that he offered no detailed plan for governance.
Saying he was "99% sure" a deal would be reached, he conveyed confidence in securing deals with regional countries, including Egypt.
In his vision of a restored Gaza, Trump also said that the United States would lead the region in economic development and progress.
He persisted in his conviction that his strategy would ensure a more safe and tranquil Middle East in spite of worldwide criticism.
Deep rifts between Trump and regional leaders were brought to light at the summit, especially regarding the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, where King Abdullah of Jordan firmly opposed forced relocation.
