President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance that the United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, despite widespread international criticism and opposition from key allies. Speaking at the White House on Tuesday alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah, Trump defended his controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s two million Palestinians to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt.

During the meeting, Trump insisted that the US would assume control of the enclave, stating, “We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it. We’re going to cherish it.” He argued that such a move could create economic opportunities in the region, describing Gaza as having the potential to become “a diamond.”

His comments come after reports that he had considered withholding aid to Jordan and Egypt unless they agreed to accept displaced Palestinians. However, Jordan, already home to millions of Palestinian refugees, has firmly rejected the proposal. Following the meeting, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s “steadfast position against the displacement of Palestinians.”

While sitting alongside Trump in the Oval Office, King Abdullah remained reserved as the president repeated his vision, which would mark a dramatic shift in long-standing US policy and could violate international law prohibiting forced population transfers. Jordan has privately expressed concerns about its capacity to absorb additional refugees but has agreed to take in 2,000 sick Palestinian children as a humanitarian gesture.

Trump, however, remained firm, asserting that Jordan and Egypt should contribute to housing resettled Palestinians. “I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Jordan. I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Egypt,” he stated. “We may have someplace else, but I think when we finish our talks, we’ll have a place where they’re going to live very happily and very safely.”

Egypt has also rejected the proposal outright. Its foreign ministry issued a statement reaffirming that Palestinians must remain on their land and that any reconstruction efforts in Gaza should be done in line with their legal rights. Cairo emphasized that foreign intervention should avoid undermining regional stability.

Trump’s remarks have sparked global condemnation, with critics warning that forcibly relocating Palestinians would not only violate international law but could further inflame tensions in the Middle East. Despite the backlash, Trump appears determined to push forward with his vision, leaving uncertainty over how the US will proceed in the coming months.