U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population would only be temporary, despite Trump’s previous assertion that the displacement would be permanent.
Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could “take over” Gaza and resettle its two million Palestinian residents elsewhere has faced widespread condemnation from the United Nations, human rights organizations, and Arab leaders.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt sought to clarify the administration’s stance, insisting that the U.S. has no plans to deploy troops in Gaza, stating:
“We are not planning to put ‘boots on the ground’ in the territory.”
Speaking during a trip to Guatemala, Rubio defended Trump’s plan, arguing that it was not “hostile” but rather a “generous move” to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction.
“The willingness of the United States to become responsible for the reconstruction of that area shows goodwill,” Rubio stated.
He claimed the plan would allow Gazans to leave temporarily while debris is cleared and reconstruction begins.
However, under international law, the forced transfer of populations from occupied territory is strictly prohibited.
Trump, speaking on Tuesday, had suggested that relocation would be permanent, describing Gaza as a “demolition site” and proposing that displaced Palestinians be resettled across multiple countries.
At the same time, Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that Trump remains committed to rebuilding Gaza while ensuring that residents are relocated only “temporarily” during the process.
When pressed on whether U.S. troops could be deployed to enforce the plan, Leavitt declined to rule it out.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz welcomed Trump’s proposal, echoing calls for Gazans to be allowed to leave by land, sea, or air.
“Gazans should be allowed to enjoy freedom of exit and immigration,” Katz said.
He went further, suggesting that Spain, Ireland, and Norway—countries critical of Israel’s actions—were “legally obligated” to accept Gazan refugees.
However, he provided no specifics on how the plan would work or whether displaced Palestinians would be allowed to return after reconstruction.
Spain’s foreign minister has rejected the suggestion outright.
Trump’s proposal, which includes plans to redevelop Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East”, has sparked intense international debate.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the idea “worth paying attention to,” critics warn that the plan could violate international law, exacerbate tensions, and permanently alter the region’s demographics.
As contradictions within the Trump administration’s messaging emerge, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will push forward with forced relocation—or if the plan will remain a controversial, unrealized vision.
