Trump's Gaza Relocation Plan Sparks Tensions with Jordan's King Abdullah

As tensions escalate, King Abdullah is set to challenge Trump's demands, which threaten regional stability and could strain U.S.-Jordan relations.

In a pivotal meeting at the White House today, President Donald Trump is expected to confront significant resistance from Jordan's King Abdullah regarding Trump's controversial plan to relocate Gaza's population. This meeting represents the first face-to-face interaction since Trump publicly suggested that Gazans be moved to Jordan and Egypt, a proposal that has raised alarm both regionally and internationally.

Jordan has established itself as a crucial U.S. ally but is often caught in a complex balancing act between military and diplomatic relations with the West and the strong public support for Palestinian rights among its population. The ongoing Gaza War has intensified these internal pressures, making the situation ever more precarious. Trump's remarks, particularly his statement that Gazans would not have a right to return home, have sparked outrage, as this contradicts international law and deepens fears of a mass displacement scenario.

During his recent interview with Fox News, Trump also hinted at the possibility of withholding aid to Jordan and Egypt should they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees. Such statements have drawn ire not only from Jordanian officials but also from Palestinian communities in Jordan, many of whom fled Gaza generations ago.

The conditions in the Gaza Camp in Jerash, home to around 45,000 Palestinians, are dire. In this camp, children navigate through narrow pathways lined with corrugated iron, and families have histories tracing back to towns like Jabalia and Rafah. Those currently living in the camp have expressed a strong resentment towards the idea of further displacement, voicing a collective determination that they would rather choose any alternative than leave again—a sentiment echoed by many across various refugee communities in Jordan.

Maher Azazi, who left Gaza at a young age, reflects on the generational trauma of displacement, insisting, "Now there is resistance." This perspective is shared among other Palestinian refugees, who highlight how different today's realities are compared to the past when migration was largely seen as a temporary refuge.

Meanwhile, Jordan's own citizens are feeling the impact of these ongoing conflicts. Local job seekers like Imad Abdallah lament their struggles to secure employment, as they face competition from the influx of refugees—an issue that has exacerbated unemployment and economic hardships in the nation.

With roughly $1.5 billion in U.S. aid already suspended by Trump, Jordan is walking a tightrope as it navigates the pressure from both its people and from the U.S. The message from King Abdullah to Trump is expected to be firm: attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians into Jordan would amount to an act of war, a sentiment supported by former Deputy Prime Minister Jawad Anani.

Ongoing protests in Jordan against Trump's proposals only serve to underscore the rising tensions. With U.S. military bases and millions of refugees present in Jordan, any instability within its borders poses risks not only for the kingdom itself but also for American interests in the region, reinforcing the fact that Jordan's stability remains a key focus for its allies. As Trump’s plans unfold, both regional fallout and humanitarian concerns loom large on the horizon.