Secretary of State Marco Rubio has embarked on a Mideast tour starting in Israel amidst the fallout from President Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate the Palestinian population of the Gaza Strip and redevelop it under U.S. ownership. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan, Arab leaders have unanimously rejected it and are working on a counterproposal amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The looming deadline for negotiations poses a risk of resumed conflict if an agreement is not reached. Notably, Israel’s recent airstrike in Gaza further complicates the situation.
Rubio’s visit aims to pressure Arab states to devise their own postwar plan acceptable to Israel, suggesting Arab countries deploy troops against Hamas. Arab leaders face challenging choices, such as mass expulsion of Palestinians or fighting Palestinian militants, both unpopular options domestically. Egypt plans to host an Arab summit to develop an alternative proposal that does not involve displacing Gaza’s population, respecting international law.
Rubio will also visit the UAE and Saudi Arabia, key players in the region, while skipping Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar due to their stances on Palestinian refugees and peace with Israel. The complexities of regional politics, historical conflicts, and differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian issue add layers of complexity to the ongoing situation. Rubio’s diplomatic efforts underscore the delicate balance of interests and the need for constructive dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the region.
