Donald Trump is set to meet with King Abdullah of Jordan at the White House today, and there’s a lot of tension around this meeting. This is their first discussion since Trump suggested relocating people from Gaza to Jordan, This has caused strong opposition.

Jordan, an important ally of the United States, is caught in a difficult position. The country has to balance its military and diplomatic relationships with the US while also dealing with strong public support for the Palestinians among its own citizens.

The situation has become even more complicated because of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Trump has insisted that people from Gaza should be moved to both Jordan and Egypt, and he mentioned during an interview that these individuals would not have the right to return home. If this plan were to happen, it could violate international laws.

Recently, Trump hinted that he might cut off aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to accept Palestinian refugees, which has raised concerns.

Interestingly, some of the most passionate voices against relocating Gazans to Jordan come from those who have already settled in the country. Approximately 45,000 Palestinians currently reside in a vibrant refugee camp near Jerash, a town in northern Jordan. The camp has a bunch of narrow alleyways and makeshift shops that really bring the community together and help everyone bounce back from tough times. It’s a space where people connect and support each other. Children often ride donkeys, bringing a sense of joy and playfulness to their daily routines as they navigate their surroundings. This dynamic environment showcases the strength and spirit of the people who live there.

Many families in the region trace their origins back to Gaza, specifically areas such as Jabalia, Rafah, and Beit Hanoun. Following the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, a significant number of these families sought temporary refuge elsewhere. However, generations later, they continue to reside in their current locations.

One resident, 60-year-old Maher Azazi, who left Jabalia as a toddler, expressed strong opinions about current political figures, referring to Donald Trump as “an arrogant narcissist.” As the situation persists, Maher’s family remains deeply affected, with some of its members still in Jabalia, where they are searching through the rubble of their home for the bodies of 18 relatives who are currently missing.

Despite the hardships they face, Mr. Azazi notes that people in Gaza have learned from the experiences of past generations. Most of them would prefer to jump into the sea rather than leave their homeland. While some once thought that leaving would be a short-term solution, they now understand that it could help the far-right groups in Israel take more Palestinian land.

Yousef, who grew up in a refugee camp, shares his thoughts: “We’ve gone through this before. They used to say leaving would only be temporary and that we would eventually return home. For us, the right to return is non-negotiable.”

“When our ancestors left, they had no means to defend themselves, unlike Hamas today,” one man shares with me. “The younger generation is now fully aware of what our ancestors endured, and we won’t let that happen again. This time, there is resistance.”

However, Palestinians aren’t the only ones seeking refuge in Jordan, a small yet stable haven amid the turmoil of the Middle East. In the early 2000s, Iraqis fled here to escape the ravages of war. A decade later, Syrians followed suit, prompting Jordan’s king to caution that his country was approaching a crucial point.”

Many native Jordanians attribute the rising levels of unemployment and poverty to the influx of refugees. A food bank located by the mosque in central Amman reports that it distributes 1,000 meals daily.

Imad Abdallah and his companion Hassan are day laborers who have not secured employment for several months due to ongoing challenges in the job market caused by the ongoing war.

Hassan expressed, “The situation in Jordan was once favorable; however, the onset of the war in Iraq marked the beginning of a decline. The conflict in Syria further exacerbated the conditions, and the current war in Gaza has significantly worsened the situation. Any conflict occurring in our vicinity has detrimental effects on our country, which is known for its commitment to humanitarian efforts and the reception of displaced individuals.”

Imad, in a more direct manner, articulated his concerns regarding the challenge of providing for his four children.

He shared his feelings, saying, “The foreigners come and take our jobs.” He has been unemployed for four months, struggling without money or food. “If people from Gaza come here, we will face serious problems.”

At the same time, Jordan is feeling pressure from a key ally, the United States. The U.S. government, led by President Trump, has already cut off more than $1.5 billion in aid that Jordan relies on every year. Many people in Jordan are preparing for a rising tension between the new U.S. president and their own political leaders, who are resisting these changes.

Jawad Anani, a former deputy prime minister with close ties to the Jordanian government, expressed that King Abdullah’s message to Donald Trump during their recent meeting at the White House will be clear. We view any effort by Israel or others to forcibly displace people from their homes in Gaza and the West Bank as a criminal act. Furthermore, any attempt to push those individuals into Jordan will be seen as a declaration of war.” He also noted that, even if the people of Gaza were willing to relocate temporarily as part of a broader Middle East initiative, the lack of trust makes such a move highly unlikely.

Even if the residents of Gaza were open to the idea of a temporary relocation as part of a broader Middle East initiative, significant trust issues remain. One spokesperson emphasized that confidence is lacking, stating, “As long as Netanyahu and his government are involved, there is limited faith in any assurances provided.” This pervasive uncertainty could present complex challenges, particularly as Trump advances his vision for Gaza, potentially placing a key US ally in a difficult situation.