Trump Gaza Plan Jordans Delicate Balancing Act Amid US Pressure

 

Donald Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan: Jordan’s Diplomatic Tightrope

Jordan’s King Under Pressure at the White House

During his visit to the White House on February 11, Jordan’s King Abdullah II faced a difficult diplomatic challenge. As reporters pressed him on whether Jordan would accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza, the king carefully avoided giving a direct answer. Instead, he deflected attention toward Egypt’s upcoming diplomatic proposals, a move that underscored his effort to balance U.S. expectations with Jordan’s national interests.

According to Le Monde, Trump expressed confidence—“99% sure”—that an agreement with Egypt would soon be reached regarding the future of Gaza. However, the details of this plan remain unclear, sparking concerns about its impact on regional stability and Palestinian sovereignty.

Trump’s Gaza Plan: A Forced Displacement Strategy?

Reports suggest that Trump’s proposal involves relocating a portion of Gaza’s population, an idea that has faced strong opposition from Palestinian leaders and neighboring countries. Jordan, already home to over two million Palestinian refugees, has long opposed any forced displacement solutions, fearing that such a move could undermine its demographic balance and internal stability.

Egypt, another key player in the discussion, has been tasked with formulating proposals on behalf of the Arab League. These proposals, expected to align with a two-state solution, will be discussed in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks. However, questions remain about whether Cairo is truly willing to accommodate Washington’s vision or if it will resist attempts to alter the status quo.

The Risks for Jordan and Egypt

King Abdullah’s cautious stance highlights Jordan’s precarious position. Accepting displaced Palestinians could ignite domestic unrest, as many Jordanians already fear that their country is being pressured into solving Israel’s conflicts at its own expense. On the other hand, openly rejecting U.S. demands risks straining ties with Washington—a critical economic and security partner for Amman.

Egypt faces a similar dilemma. While its leadership maintains close relations with the U.S., it is also wary of becoming a direct party to a controversial resettlement plan that could spark backlash from both regional allies and its own population. The Egyptian government’s strategy appears to be one of delay—proposing discussions rather than outright acceptance or rejection.

A Diplomatic Gamble with Global Implications

According to News24Go, Trump’s Gaza plan risks upending existing agreements and exacerbating tensions. The Palestinian Authority has already condemned any proposals involving population displacement, calling them a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Israel’s stance remains ambiguous, with some factions supporting a “solution” that reduces Gaza’s population pressure, while others caution against regional instability.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host discussions on the matter, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a diplomatic compromise can be reached—or if Trump’s plan will face outright rejection. For Jordan and Egypt, the challenge is clear: how to navigate U.S. pressure without endangering their own national security and political stability.