On Monday, February 17, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the future of Gaza, as international leaders grapple with competing proposals for reconstruction and governance. The meeting came in the wake of intense backlash across the Arab world over President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to resettle Gazans in other Arab countries while the U.S. spearheads efforts to transform the Palestinian enclave into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” As Rubio works to address concerns and secure diplomatic support, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on Trump’s vision, stating that Gaza will see “neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority” in power post-war.

Meanwhile, alternative plans are emerging. Egypt, backed by European and regional partners, is advancing a multi-phase reconstruction proposal that would rebuild Gaza over five years without displacing its residents. This approach envisions a Palestinian-led administration and a restructured security force, though the question of governance remains unsettled. Hamas has signaled a willingness to step aside in favor of a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic leadership, but Palestinian leaders remain adamant against any forced displacement.

As ceasefire negotiations continue and a second phase of talks looms, the fate of Gaza hangs in the balance. The enclave has suffered catastrophic destruction, with infrastructure losses estimated at $30 billion and a humanitarian crisis deepening by the day. While the U.S. and Israel push forward with their vision, Arab states, European leaders, and Palestinian factions are racing to shape an alternative path forward—one that may define the region for generations to come.

The Times of Israel has up-to-date war coverage here.



Sources:

BBC | Netanyahu praises Trump's 'bold vision' for Gaza at Rubio meeting

Times of Israel | Egypt developing plan to rebuild Gaza as counter to Trump's call to depopulate area

PBS News | Israel's Netanyahu signals he's moving ahead with Trump's plan to move Palestinians from Gaza