Washington - President Donald Trump hosted Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday. Trump is increasing pressure on Jordan to accept refugees from Gaza as part of a plan for the Middle East.
Hamas, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire, has paused hostage releases. Trump called for Israel to resume fighting if hostages are not freed by this weekend.
Trump proposed the US take control of Gaza, turning it into the "Riviera of the Middle East," with Palestinians relocated to neighboring nations without the right to return.
On Monday, Trump suggested withholding US funding from Jordan and Egypt to persuade them to accept Palestinians from Gaza.
Jordan, home to over 2 million Palestinians, rejects the plan. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated Jordan's opposition is "firm and unwavering." Egypt and Jordan have raised security concerns about accepting more refugees.
Trump stated he believes Abdullah and other countries will accept Palestinians because "They have good hearts."
King Abdullah is also meeting with officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He is the third foreign leader to meet Trump in person since January 20.
Trump announced his resettlement ideas during a press conference last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump initially considered deploying US troops to Gaza but stated no US funds would be used for reconstruction.
Rubio and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the relocation would be temporary for debris removal and reconstruction.
In a Fox News interview that aired Monday, Trump stated Palestinians would not have a right to return to Gaza under his plan.