WASHINGTON (TNND) — Egypt met with the Gulf Arab states and Jordan in Saudi Arabia on Friday for an informal discussion on the future of Gaza. The meeting comes as pressure mounts to formulate an alternative to President Donald Trump's plan for the U.S. to oversee redevelopment in the region.

A major obstacle for the Egyptian plan is sorting out who would pay for it. Some estimates put the rebuild cost at more than $50 billion.

"Both Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have made it very clear they will not finance reconstruction unless there is a vision," explained Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics.

Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday, stated he had not seen the Egyptian plan.

Meanwhile, the new Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Leiter, expressed support for Trump's vision.

Our focus on the President’s proposal is to put the emphasis on the fact that he’s giving Gazans free choice," Leiter said. "Until now, you had people kept in this very small area with no alternative."

The future of the two million residents of Gaza remains a significant diplomatic sticking point. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa emphasized the determination of Gazans to remain in Gaza.

Our people are determined to stay in their homes. Our people want to be part of rebuilding their homes," Mustafa said.

Leiter insists countries like Egypt and Jordan should be partners in resolving the Gaza issue.

"It shouldn’t just be an Israeli issue, and I think that’s where President Trump is going," said Leiter.

As Israel works to expand the Abraham Accords and deepen diplomatic relationships in the region, Leiter expressed optimism about the potential for cooperation.

"I think it’s going to help build the relationship," he said. "First, let’s pursue peace among our countries and not make it conditional among other issues."

Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected Trump's idea to relocate all two million Palestinians living in Gaza to their countries. This stance is expected to be reiterated at an emergency Arab League summit on Gaza scheduled for March 4.