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Secretary of State Marco Rubio has backed President Donald Trump’s proposal for the US to take control of the Gaza Strip.
Some shit you should know before you read: During a press conference yesterday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip, clear the war-torn region of unexploded bombs, and spearhead its economic redevelopment. He described a vision of transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” suggesting it could become an international destination rather than being controlled by a specific group. Trump stated that all Palestinians currently living in Gaza would be relocated to other countries where they could have a “beautiful life,” though he did not specify which nations would take them in. When asked about deploying US troops, he said the military would “do what is necessary,” indicating that American forces might be involved in the takeover and reconstruction effort.
What’s going on now: While wrapping up a visit in Guatemala, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Trump’s proposal to take over and redevelop Gaza, calling it a “generous” and necessary move. “It was not meant as a hostile move,” Rubio said during a press conference with the Guatemalan president. “It was meant as a, I think, a very generous move.” He compared the situation in Gaza to a natural disaster zone, stating that “people can’t live there because there are unexploded munitions, debris, and rubble.” Rubio stressed that temporary relocation would be necessary for Palestinians while reconstruction takes place, saying, “In the interim, obviously people are going to have to live somewhere while you’re rebuilding it.”
Rubio also reiterated his stance on social media, posting on X that “Gaza MUST BE FREE from Hamas” and that the US “stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again.” He framed the plan as a pathway to long-term peace, noting that “our pursuit is one of lasting peace in the region for all people.” Addressing concerns about foreign aid, Rubio warned against misaligned spending, saying, “What would be a gift to our geopolitical rivals is billions of dollars in foreign aid that is not aligned to the national interests in the foreign policy of the United States.”
This all comes as both Republicans and Democrats are criticizing President Trump’s plans for Gaza, with some questioning its feasibility, legality, and potential consequences. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) dismissed the idea, arguing that US involvement would contradict the “America First” agenda, stating, “We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers’ blood.” House Democrats have also chimed in, with Rep. Al Green (D-TX) announcing he would introduce articles of impeachment, calling Trump’s proposal “ethnic cleansing.”
