Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his commitment to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s Palestinian population, calling it the only way to achieve long-term stability in the region. Netanyahu discussed the plan with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reinforced U.S. support for Israel’s military objectives, stating that Hamas must be “eradicated.”
Rubio’s Middle East tour includes stops in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to face resistance to the plan. The proposal envisions U.S.-backed redevelopment of Gaza but has drawn criticism from rights groups who argue that emigration under such dire conditions cannot be considered truly voluntary. Netanyahu maintains that he and Trump share a “common strategy” for Gaza and reiterated the warning that severe consequences would follow if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages.
With the first phase of the ceasefire set to end in two weeks, negotiations for the next phase have yet to begin. Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that discussions would resume soon, describing recent conversations with Netanyahu, Egypt, and Qatar as “very productive.” He indicated that upcoming hostage releases would include 19 Israeli soldiers, whom officials believe to be alive.
Netanyahu has signaled a willingness to resume military operations, despite concerns that doing so could endanger the remaining hostages. The Israeli military has continued its strikes, with reports emerging of an airstrike that killed three Hamas police officers near the Egyptian border.
Rubio suggested that Arab nations should take an active role in confronting Hamas but emphasized that American troops would not be involved. He stated that if regional powers fail to develop an alternative approach, Israel will have no choice but to act alone.
Arab nations are working on a counterproposal that would allow for Gaza’s reconstruction without removing its population. Egypt, which will host a regional summit on February 27, has warned that a mass displacement of Palestinians could jeopardize its long-standing peace treaty with Israel. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have rejected forced population transfers.
Trump’s administration has also hinted at possible aid cuts for countries that refuse to accept Palestinian refugees. Meanwhile, Arab and Muslim nations continue to insist that any postwar plan for Gaza must include a pathway to Palestinian statehood, something Israel has firmly ruled out.
