Captain Osama Shakman

His Majesty King Abdullah II met with former U.S. President Donald Trump last night at the White House in Washington, where discussions focused on Trump’s controversial vision for rebuilding Gaza. As expected, Trump presented a real estate-driven proposal that involved relocating Gaza’s population to neighboring countries and transforming the strip into a massive tourism project.

Trump, well known for his passion for grand real estate developments—from skyscrapers in New York to luxury resorts worldwide—has now set his sights on Gaza. His plan suggests evacuating the population and turning the territory into an upscale tourist destination. According to the proposal, Palestinians would be relocated to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt, while global investors would be given the opportunity to rebuild the area as a modern resort-style development.

King Abdullah II’s response was firm and predictable: Jordan rejects any plan that leads to the forced displacement of Palestinians, whether from Gaza or the West Bank. He emphasized that this stance is not just Jordan’s but represents a unified Arab position against any demographic engineering. His Majesty stressed that the priority should be the reconstruction of Gaza while ensuring the rights of its residents remain intact.

In a humanitarian gesture, the King announced Jordan’s willingness to receive 2,000 sick children from Gaza for medical treatment, sending a clear message that the solution lies in aiding Palestinians on their land rather than forcing them to leave it.

Trump’s real estate vision faces numerous obstacles, including strong Arab and international opposition to forced displacement, as well as legal barriers under international law that prohibit demographic changes imposed by force. Moreover, achieving peace in the region requires a comprehensive political solution—not just commercial investments that disregard the rights of native populations.

While Trump views Gaza as a business opportunity, Jordan and other Arab nations recognize the deeper humanitarian and political implications. Any viable solution must respect Palestinian rights rather than render them refugees once again. Ultimately, Trump’s real estate project appears destined for the same fate as some of his past ventures: widespread rejection and few buyers.