U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Steps In After Trump's Shocking Remarks
Administration Tries to Soften Tone on Gaza Ownership Plan
Trump Maintains Stance Despite Domestic and International Criticism
There continues to be a disconnect between President Donald Trump and his administration regarding his plan to own and develop the Gaza Strip. Despite government officials attempting to moderate the tone following Trump's shocking statement that he would "own the Gaza Strip," Secretary of State Mike Rubio, the diplomatic chief, stepped in once again to manage the fallout after Trump reiterated his intention to own Gaza.
According to AP and other sources on the 6th (local time), Secretary Rubio, who is visiting the Dominican Republic, stated that the Gaza Strip is currently "unsuitable for habitation" due to dangers such as unexploded ordnance, and that Palestinians in the area would need to temporarily relocate elsewhere while Gaza is being rebuilt.
Rubio did not comment on whether Gaza residents would be able to return to their rebuilt hometowns if President Donald Trump's Gaza reconstruction plan materializes. However, he said, "I think this is realistic."
This temporary relocation contrasts with President Trump's statement earlier that day advocating for permanent relocation. On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed, "When the war ends, Israel will hand over the Gaza Strip to the United States," adding, "The Palestinian people will be resettled in much safer and more beautiful communities with new and modern homes once the war is over." His statement that Israel would hand over Gaza to the U.S. implies that Israel currently owns the Gaza Strip and that the U.S. intends to take over.
Rubio also clarified the day before that Trump's relocation remarks meant "the U.S. intends to intervene to clear debris and unexploded ordnance so people can return to live there." White House spokesperson Karoline Levitt also said the previous day, "The president has promised to rebuild Gaza and provide temporary relocation for the people there."
However, despite attempts by administration officials to moderate the tone, President Trump has maintained his plan to own and redevelop Gaza since announcing it at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 4th. At that time, Trump stated he would relocate Gaza residents to other countries and develop the Gaza Strip under U.S. leadership, drawing significant criticism both domestically and internationally.
That said, Trump drew a line regarding his statement on deploying U.S. troops if necessary on the 4th. He said that "American soldiers will not be needed" and that "the area will be governed by stability." According to The Washington Post (WP) and The New York Times (NYT), the troop deployment plan was not coordinated in advance with key departments such as the State Department and the Department of Defense, and it faced criticism even within the Republican Party, prompting a swift effort to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. online media Axios reported, citing two Israeli officials and two sources, that Secretary Rubio plans to visit the Middle East in mid-June. Additionally, foreign ministers from Jordan and Egypt?countries strongly opposed to being designated as relocation destinations for Gaza residents?as well as Saudi Arabia, a leading Arab power, are expected to visit the United States soon.
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