Biden, Jordan’s king confer on Middle East violence, hostages

The United States and Jordan are pressing Israel for a pause in the Gaza conflict to win freedom for more hostages held by Hamas. President Biden hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah for talks and both leaders expressed deep concerns about an Israeli military operation in Rafah. The president said it “should not proceed without a credible plan” for ensuring the safety and support of more than one-million refugees. He also pushed for a 6-week pause in the fighting to free more hostages, while the king called for a lasting ceasefire.