Trump Asserts U.S. Authority Over Gaza Amidst Regional Concerns

President Trump claimed the U.S. could take Gaza in a meeting with King Abdullah II, suggesting neighboring countries would resettle displaced Palestinians. His remarks drew a cautious response from the Jordanian king, who emphasized the need for wider Arab consultations.

During a recent meeting in the Oval Office with King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Donald Trump asserted that the United States possesses the authority to “take” Gaza, suggesting that neighboring countries would need to accommodate the displaced Palestinian population. He claimed, “We will have Gaza. It is a war-torn area. We are going to take it. We will hold it and cherish it.”

Mr. Trump’s remarks, made in the presence of reporters, sought to apply pressure on the Jordanian king, who was hesitant to endorse such a controversial proposal. The meeting included discussions about potential resettlement options for the roughly two million Palestinians that could be affected by a U.S. takeover of Gaza.

This idea was not new; it echoed Mr. Trump’s previous declarations urging U.S. control over the territory, despite Jordan and Egypt’s earlier rejections of the plan. However, King Abdullah managed to avoid a direct response, stating that it would be prudent for both nations to engage in dialogue with other Arab countries, particularly Egypt, regarding the situation.

In summary, President Trump’s recent comments about the U.S. potentially taking control of Gaza have sparked significant discourse, with King Abdullah II of Jordan remaining non-committal. The proposal, which appears to be met with resistance from both Jordan and Egypt, raises complex geopolitical questions about the future of the Palestinian population in Gaza. The necessity for broader Arab consultation on such a sensitive matter was highlighted during the meeting.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com