US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that President Donald Trump’s plan to displace Gaza residents “is the only proposal currently under consideration.” However, he expressed openness to a “better plan” from Arab nations following their meeting in Saudi Arabia within the coming days.
During an interview on the “Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show” podcast, Rubio stated, “If anyone has a better plan, and we certainly hope they do, if the Arab countries have a better plan, that’s excellent.” He indicated that Washington would carefully consider the details of any such proposal.
Rubio cautioned that “any plan that allows Hamas to remain in the Gaza Strip will be problematic because Israel will not tolerate it, effectively returning the situation to square one.”
He emphasized that Washington would “provide an opportunity” for Arab countries “to develop a plan,” stating their efforts were being undertaken “in good faith.” He stressed the necessity of resolving the issue of “Hamas” and its weaponry, asserting that “American soldiers will not handle this,” which would ultimately “compel Israel to act.”
Rubio noted that Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host an Arab summit within two weeks, after which “they will present us with a plan.” He affirmed that Washington would “give them time” to formulate this proposal.
“That’s a key reason for my upcoming trip to the Middle East,” Rubio said. “I’ll be visiting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel. I’ve also met with my counterparts from Egypt and Jordan this week. We’re eager to hear from our Arab partners and hope they can develop and present a truly effective plan to President Trump.”
Rubio acknowledged that “currently, Trump’s plan is the only one being discussed, though it’s not favoured by some.” He concluded, “Therefore, if a superior plan exists, now is the time to present it, and we are eager to review it.”
Rubio’s comments follow a meeting between Trump and King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on Tuesday, during which Trump reiterated his desire to control the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents to Egypt and Jordan, despite the opposition of both countries and the Palestinians themselves.
King Abdullah indicated that further discussion was needed and suggested waiting for Egypt to present alternative ideas. He announced that an “Arab plan” would soon be unveiled, noting, “We must consider that there is a plan from Egypt.”
Egypt to propose alternative Gaza reconstruction plan ensuring Palestinians remain on their homeland
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has also stated that Egypt intends to present a “comprehensive vision” for the reconstruction of Gaza without displacement, emphasizing that “any proposed solution to the Palestinian issue must avoid endangering the achievements of peace in the region.”
Amid the ongoing discussions, a planned visit by Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to Washington, DC, scheduled for February 18, has been postponed indefinitely, official sources told Daily News Egypt on Tuesday.
Sources indicate that the postponment stems from Cairo’s opposition to a US proposal, championed by President Donald Trump, to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt and Jordan.
King Abdullah said Jordan’s “steadfast position [is] against the displacement of Palestinians.” Jordan, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, is already home to millions of Palestinians and has rejected the proposal.
Further underscoring Egypt’s commitment to the region and a solution that avoids displacement, the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate has launched an initiative to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza. The syndicate’s “Gaza Reconstruction” committee, headed by former Minister of Local Development Ahmed Zaki Abdeen, held its inaugural meeting to develop effective and scientifically-driven reconstruction plans.
Tarek El-Nabarawy, Head of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, emphasized Egypt’s consistent rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians, viewing such actions as a threat to both Egyptian and regional national security. He affirmed the Egyptian state’s vision for Gaza’s reconstruction, ensuring the Palestinian people remain on their land, in accordance with their rights.
El-Nabarawy stated that the Syndicate, with its wealth of intellectual and engineering expertise, stands ready to support the political leadership by offering comprehensive support. The syndicate aims to act as a primary consultant to the state in this area, providing the expertise to implement the state’s proposals, including the preparation of all necessary engineering designs.
Abdeen confirmed the committee’s intention to coordinate closely with the Egyptian government to meet the needs of the Gaza reconstruction process. The committee plans to put forward proposals encompassing urban planning, engineering designs, and technical studies, drawing on the expertise of its divisions and committees to develop a comprehensive strategy for Gaza’s reconstruction in accordance with international standards.
Mahmoud Orabi, Secretary General of the Syndicate, stated, “Egypt has played a pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian cause over the past decades, both politically and humanely, and continues its efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace and protect the historical rights of the Palestinian people.”
During its meeting, the committee outlined several key courses of action, including direct communication and coordination with the Egyptian Prime Minister and relevant state agencies, a series of specialized seminars under the title “Gaza Reconstruction: The Role of Engineering and Engineers,” and the formation of specialized committees and working groups. These efforts aim to mobilize Egyptian, Arab, and international engineering expertise to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for the reconstruction of Gaza, always prioritising the needs and rights of its residents.
