Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed strong support for former President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control of Gaza, aiming to clear the area of debris and explosives left by Hamas. Rubio described Trump’s plan as the only viable option currently available for addressing the challenges of rebuilding the war-torn region.
In a recent interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, Rubio emphasized the difficulties of reconstruction in Gaza, highlighting the presence of Hamas and the rubble that hampers rebuilding efforts. “How are you going to rebuild this place when you have people living among the rubble? How are you going to rebuild it as long as a group like Hamas is operating there? You can’t,” Rubio stated, echoing Trump’s concerns.
Trump’s earlier remarks suggested that the U.S. should take over the Gaza Strip and initiate economic development to create jobs and housing for its residents. Rubio noted that as long as Hamas remains active in Gaza, Israel will continue its military operations against the group, complicating any reconstruction efforts. He pointed out that effective rebuilding will require the removal of Hamas operatives from the area.
Despite Rubio’s endorsement, he acknowledged that leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have expressed disapproval of Trump’s plan. “If you don’t like the President’s plan, then I think you should come up with a better plan, and I hope they do,” Rubio remarked, urging regional leaders to propose alternative solutions that would facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza. He affirmed the commitment of the United States to assist in these efforts alongside other nations in the region.
The backdrop to these discussions includes recent calls from Israel’s former ambassador to the U.S., Gilad Erdan, who advocated for the denazification and demilitarization of Gaza, reinforcing the idea that Trump’s vision for the area should be pursued. This conversation has gained urgency following the tragic return of hostages held by Hamas, which has intensified the focus on security and humanitarian issues in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments and responses from regional leaders regarding the future of Gaza and its reconstruction.