U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s proposal for a U.S.-led administration of Gaza, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas from the region. Trump’s remarks on Tuesday suggested a direct American role in governing Gaza following Israel’s military campaign that has left tens of thousands dead.
Trump previously floated the idea of relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, a proposal widely condemned as ethnic cleansing and rejected by Arab leaders. Rubio reiterated support for Trump’s vision, stating on X, “Gaza MUST BE FREE from Hamas. As @POTUS shared today, the United States stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again.”
Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and resulted in 250 hostages, Israeli forces have responded with a military assault that has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The offensive has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
While Trump has suggested Palestinian displacement since January, official State Department statements following Rubio’s talks with regional leaders have not explicitly referenced Trump’s plan. The proposal has sparked condemnation from human rights advocates and experts, who warn of potential legal and ethical violations.
With a fragile ceasefire currently in place, Gaza remains at the center of global diplomatic and humanitarian concerns. Neither Trump nor Rubio has provided details on how a U.S. administration of Gaza would function, leaving questions about feasibility and international response.