Amid ongoing discussions about the future of Gaza, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate the population of Gaza would be a temporary measure. This announcement comes in light of Trump’s controversial suggestion that the United States could assume control of Gaza and resettle its two million residents.
Details of the proposal and responses
Trump’s remarks have drawn significant criticism from various quarters, including the United Nations, human rights organizations, and Arab leaders. In a bid to clarify the administration’s stance, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized that there were no plans for U.S. military involvement in the territory, stating that there would be no “boots on the ground.”
During a recent visit to Guatemala, Rubio described Trump’s proposal as a “generous move” rather than a hostile one, underlining that it reflects the United States’ willingness to take responsibility for the reconstruction of Gaza. He indicated that the intention behind the relocation is for Gazans to temporarily leave the area while reconstruction efforts are underway.
“The idea is for Gazans to leave the territory for an ‘interim’ period while debris was cleared and reconstruction took place,” Rubio stated.
Despite these assurances, concerns remain regarding the legality of such actions, as international law prohibits the forced transfer of populations from occupied territories. Leavitt reiterated that the goal is to rebuild Gaza comprehensively while addressing the temporary relocation of its residents.
International response and future implications
President Trump has voiced ambitions to transform Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” a vision he shared during a recent press briefing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed an interest in the proposal. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz supported the idea, suggesting that Gazans should have the freedom of movement, including options for land, sea, or air travel.
In his remarks, Katz mentioned the obligations of other nations, such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, to allow Gazans to enter their territories in light of the humanitarian crisis. However, he offered little clarity on how the plan would be implemented or whether those relocated would have the option to return post-reconstruction. Spain’s Foreign Minister has already rejected the proposal, signaling discord among international actors regarding the future of Gaza.
As discussions continue, the complexities of this situation underscore the challenges facing both the U.S. administration and the international community in addressing the humanitarian and geopolitical dimensions of Gaza.