Secretary of State Rubio greeted by Foreign Minister Sa'ar (video snippet)

Rubio Pushing Trump's Gaza Plan as Ceasefire Hangs by a Thread

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The Judean Staff
National

In a visit laden with diplomatic weight and political controversy, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and Washington’s bold new vision for the war-torn enclave. Rubio’s arrival marks the start of a high-profile Middle East tour, just a day after the latest dramatic exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas.

A Radical New Plan for Gaza’s Future

Rubio, on his maiden trip to the region as Washington’s top diplomat, is set to champion President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for post-war Gaza: a radical redevelopment initiative that envisions transforming the devastated strip into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The plan, widely condemned by international leaders, involves a sweeping relocation of Gaza’s more than two million residents, coupled with a U.S.-led effort to seize administrative and security control over the territory.

During his recent visit to the White House, Netanyahu signaled his support for the idea, praising Trump’s vision for a “prosperous and secure” post-war Gaza. However, opposition from regional leaders has been swift and resolute, with key Arab states rejecting what they describe as an unacceptable forced displacement of Palestinians.

Rubio’s tour will take him next to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he faces tense discussions with leaders reluctant to embrace Washington’s blueprint for Gaza’s future. Monday’s talks in Riyadh are expected to be particularly challenging, as Saudi Arabia remains a central player in Trump’s broader Middle East strategy.

High-Stakes Hostage Exchange Underlines Fragile Ceasefire

Rubio’s visit comes on the heels of a delicate and high-stakes hostage-prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas. In the sixth such exchange under the tenuous ceasefire agreement, Hamas released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners—many of whom had been detained during the war, while others had been serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis.

The dramatic releases followed an ultimatum from Israel, warning Hamas that failure to release at least three living hostages by the weekend would trigger an immediate military escalation. Prime Minister Netanyahu credited Trump’s firm diplomatic stance for ensuring the deal went through.

Among the released hostages were Israeli-American Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, Israeli-Russian Sasha Trupanov, 29, and Israeli-Argentine Yair Horn, 46. Their emotional reunions with families were broadcast across Israeli media. A particularly moving moment came when Dekel-Chen’s wife, Avital, revealed to him the name of their newborn daughter, born two months after his abduction in October 2023. “That’s perfect,” he responded, overwhelmed with emotion.

Meanwhile, footage aired by Israeli outlets showed Palestinian prisoners arriving in Gaza, where they tore off prison-issued sweatshirts emblazoned with a Star of David and the slogan “We will not forget and we will not forgive” before setting them ablaze in a symbolic act of defiance.

Second Phase Negotiations: The Battle Over Gaza’s Fate

As discussions over a second phase of the ceasefire approach, tensions are mounting over Gaza’s future governance. The upcoming negotiations in Doha will focus on securing a more permanent truce and determining what role, if any, Hamas will play in Gaza’s post-war administration.

Trump’s controversial plan has sent shockwaves through the region. The U.S. president has warned of economic and political consequences for neighboring Egypt and Jordan unless they agree to absorb displaced Gazans. In response, Egypt has spearheaded an alternative proposal, advocating for the training of a new security force and the appointment of local Palestinian leaders to govern the strip.

Despite diplomatic efforts, Rubio has been adamant that Hamas must have no future role in Gaza. “There can be no scenario in which a terrorist organization that has waged war against Israel continues to dictate the fate of Gaza,” he stated bluntly.

Unrelenting Conflict and Rising Casualties

As ceasefire negotiations continue, the grim toll of the conflict remains staggering. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered the war, resulted in the deaths of 1,211 people—primarily civilians—according to Israeli official figures. In response, Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza has claimed at least 48,264 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry figures cited by the United Nations.

On Sunday, Hamas reported that an Israeli airstrike had killed two police officers and wounded another near Rafah in southern Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating that it had targeted “several armed individuals.”

Meanwhile, Israel has received a new shipment of U.S.-made bombs, including munitions that the Biden administration had previously withheld during the Gaza war. The move underscores Washington’s continued military backing for Israel, even as diplomatic tensions mount over the future of the conflict.

The Road Ahead: A Region on Edge

With Gaza’s fate hanging in the balance, Rubio’s Middle East tour has become a focal point of global diplomacy. His meetings with Israeli and Arab leaders will determine whether Trump’s vision for Gaza gains traction—or whether the international community will forge an alternative path forward.

As the ceasefire holds by a thread and diplomatic battle lines are drawn, the stakes for the region—and the world—have never been higher.

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