U.S. President Donald Trump restated his plan for the U.S. to take over Gaza during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah on Tuesday (February 11) and insisted that Jordan would house displaced Palestinians, despite the king's opposition to the proposal.
Trump, speaking alongside the Arab country's ruler in the Oval Office, signaled he would not budge on his idea that involves moving the Gaza Strip's shell-shocked residents and transforming the war-ravaged territory into what he billed a "Riviera of the Middle East."
'Riviera of the Middle East': Trump touts plan for US control of Gaza Strip
Five obstacles to Trump's designs on controlling Gaza
Trump says he is committed to US ownership of Gaza, could let Middle East states help rebuild
'No way in hell' Trump's Gaza plan works, says Middle East expert
Trump has infuriated the Arab world by saying that Palestinians would not have the right of return to their homes under his proposal to redevelop the enclave, which has been devastated by an Israeli offensive.
"We're going to take it. We're going to hold it, we're going to cherish it. We're going to get it going eventually, where a lot of jobs are going to be created for the people in the Middle East," Trump said, adding his plan would "bring peace" to the region.
Despite the views of his Jordanian counterpart, Trump said Jordan, as well as Egypt, would ultimately agree to house displaced Gazans. Both countries rely on Washington for economic and military aid.
"I believe we'll have a parcel of land in Jordan. I believe we'll have a parcel of land in Egypt," said Trump. "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."
Trump, who has suggested he could consider withholding aid to Jordan, said he was not using support as a threat.
"We contribute a lot of money to Jordan, and to Egypt by the way - a lot to both. But I don't have to threaten that. I think we're above that," Trump said.
King Abdullah has previously said he rejects any moves to annex land and displace Palestinians.
(Production: Ashraf Fahim)