Agencies WASHINGTON

Jordan will take in 2,000 sick Gazan children, King Abdullah announced in Washington. This move, amounting to roughly 0.1% of Gaza's population, aims  to curry favor with  US President Donald Trump who had threatened to withhold aid if Jordan did not accept Palestinians as part of a proposed plan to relocate Gaza's population.

The US president expressed delight at the announcement. “That’s so beautiful. It’s music to my ears,”  he told reporters at their joint  press conference. The US plan to take over Gaza has alarmed the Arab world, particularly Jordan and Egypt, both of which rejected the proposal, citing security concerns and the potential expansion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite these rejections,  Trump claimed there would likely be land in Jordan and Egypt for relocated Palestinians. Abdullah, visibly uncomfortable, said, “I have to look at the best interests of my country.”  He repeatedly avoided questions about the proposal. While the US President defended the plan, his aides indicated a willingness to consider other ideas for Gaza's reconstruction, expecting proposals from Arab allies.

Abdullah  said the Arab world, led by Egypt, was developing such a plan, and Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced its intention to present a comprehensive vision for Gaza's reconstruction, ensuring Palestinians remain on their land. The king also mentioned a planned discussion on the matter in Riyadh, convened by the Saudi Crown Prince.

Regarding the 2,000 sick children, King Abdullah said Jordan was prepared to receive them as quickly as possible, requiring cooperation from COGAT, the Israeli military body facilitating aid delivery into Gaza. He suggested helicopter transport for the children and noted other countries might also offer treatment.