On February 11, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House to discuss a contentious proposal: transforming Gaza into a U.S.-controlled tourist destination. This plan involves relocating Gaza's residents to neighboring countries, with Jordan being a primary candidate. Trump envisions redeveloping the area with new hotels, office buildings, and housing, aiming to make it an attractive locale. He emphasized that this transformation would occur under U.S. authority, without financial commitments, and assured that he would not be personally involved in the development.
King Abdullah II's visit comes at a critical time, as the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel faces challenges. Hamas has accused Israel of violating the truce and has delayed the next hostage release. Trump has indicated that the ceasefire could be canceled if the remaining hostages are not released promptly.
Jordan, already home to over 2 million Palestinians, has firmly rejected Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's civilians. The kingdom has expressed concerns about the potential displacement of Palestinians and the implications for regional stability.
The international community has expressed apprehension regarding Trump's plan. UN experts have warned that such a move could revert the world to "dark days of colonial conquest," highlighting the ethical and legal challenges associated with forcibly relocating populations and altering territorial control.
As discussions continue, the proposed redevelopment of Gaza remains a polarizing topic, with significant geopolitical implications for the Middle East and beyond.