Trump faces showdown with Jordan over Gaza plan

Today, Donald Trump is set to meet with King Abdullah of Jordan at the White House. This meeting is significant as it marks their first discussion since Trump proposed the controversial idea of relocating the population of Gaza to Jordan. Jordan, a crucial ally of the United States, finds itself in a precarious position, trying to balance its military and diplomatic relationships with the US while also addressing the strong support for Palestinians among its own citizens. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has already strained these relationships, and Trump's proposal is pushing them to the edge. Trump has reiterated his demand that people from Gaza be moved to both Jordan and Egypt, stating in an interview that these individuals would not have the right to return to their homes. This assertion raises serious concerns, as it could violate international law. Furthermore, Trump has threatened to cut off aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees, which adds another layer of pressure on these nations. In Jordan, there are already many Palestinians who have relocated from Gaza in the past. Approximately 45,000 people currently reside in the Gaza Camp, located near Jerash, a town in northern Jordan. The camp is characterized by cramped living conditions, with makeshift structures and narrow pathways filled with children and families. Many of the residents trace their ancestry back to Gaza, having fled during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war in search of temporary refuge. However, decades later, they remain in Jordan, still holding onto their memories of home. One resident, Maher Azazi, who left Gaza at the age of three, expressed his disdain for Trump's plans. At 60 years old, he believes that Trump is out of touch with the realities faced by the people involved. Maher described Trump as 'an arrogant narcissist' and criticized his approach to the situation. He emphasized that many Gazans today have learned from the past and would rather 'jump into the sea than leave' their homes again. This sentiment reflects a broader understanding among the Gazans who have experienced displacement before. Yousef, another resident born in the camp, echoed these feelings, stating, 'The right to return is a red line. ' This phrase signifies the deep-rooted desire among Palestinians to reclaim their homes and land, a desire that has only intensified over the years. The history of displacement has left a lasting impact on the community, and many are determined not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations. The situation in Jordan is further complicated by the presence of other refugee populations. Over the years, Jordan has welcomed many Iraqis fleeing war in the early 2000s, followed by a significant influx of Syrians during their civil war. King Abdullah has warned that the country is nearing a breaking point due to the overwhelming number of refugees. Many Jordanians are frustrated, believing that the influx of refugees has contributed to rising unemployment and poverty levels. In central Amman, a food bank distributes around 1,000 meals daily to those in need, highlighting the struggles faced by both refugees and local citizens. While waiting for work outside a mosque, two day laborers, Imad and Hassan, shared their concerns about the current situation. Both men have been unable to find work for months, and Hassan lamented, 'The situation in Jordan used to be great, but when there was the war in Iraq, things got worse, when there was the war in Syria, it got worse, now there's a war in Gaza, it's got a lot worse. ' Imad was more blunt, expressing his fears about providing for his four children. He stated, 'The foreigners come, and take our jobs,' illustrating the growing tension between local workers and the refugee population. The pressure on Jordan is not only coming from within but also from the United States. Trump has already suspended over $1. 5 billion in annual aid to Jordan, which has raised concerns about the future of the country's economy and stability. Many Jordanians are bracing for a challenging confrontation between their king and Trump, as King Abdullah is expected to deliver a strong message regarding the treatment of Palestinians. Jawad Anani, a former deputy prime minister, emphasized that King Abdullah will make it clear that any attempt to forcibly remove people from Gaza is unacceptable. He stated, 'We consider any attempt by Israel or others to push people out of their own houses in Gaza and the West Bank as a criminal act. ' Anani further warned that pushing Gazans into Jordan would be seen as a declaration of war. Even if Gazans were willing to relocate temporarily as part of a broader peace plan, there is a significant lack of trust between the parties involved. Anani remarked, 'There is no confidence,' indicating that past experiences have left many skeptical of promises made by leaders. Trump's insistence on pushing his vision for Gaza could lead to a critical decision for Jordan, which is already facing significant challenges. Last Friday, thousands of people protested against Trump's proposal in Jordan, demonstrating the widespread discontent with the idea. Jordan is home to US military bases and millions of refugees, and its stability is vital for the region. Any threat to Jordan's stability poses risks not only for the country itself but also for its allies, including the United States and Israel. In this complex landscape, the threat of unrest in Jordan serves as both a powerful weapon and a crucial defense for the nation.