The Second visit to the Middle East
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on a multi-day trip to the Middle East next week.
Marking his second visit to the region since assuming leadership of the State Department.
Rubio’s itinerary includes stops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Following his attendance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
While the full schedule has not yet been released, Rubio’s visit comes at a critical juncture in foreign policy.
Particularly as Israel and Hamas work to implement a three-phase ceasefire agreement after 16 months of conflict in Gaza.
Donald Trump will contribute to efforts aimed at rebuilding Gaza.
During a joint press conference in the Dominican Republic with President Luis Abinader on Thursday, Rubio revealed that President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at rebuilding Gaza.
Rubio emphasized that while many countries voice concern for Gaza and the Palestinian people, few have taken concrete steps to address the situation.
Rubio highlighted the dire state of Gaza, which is governed by Hamas.
Noting that the territory is not only uninhabitable due to the devastation caused by the war with Israel.
But also plagued by unexploded munitions, rockets, and weapons.
Chivalrous knight operation 3 distributes food parcels to 120 displaced families at Sheikh Jameel School, to support them in light of the difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip. pic.twitter.com/BoM0PacXdS
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 13, 2025
The US Secretary of State: “It needs to be dealt with”.
“It needs to be dealt with,” Rubio stated.
He added that while it would be ideal for another country to step forward and lead the rehabilitation efforts, no nation has shown eagerness to do so.
The Secretary of State suggested that Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza was intended to provoke a response from countries with the economic and technological capacity to contribute to post-conflict reconstruction.
As of Friday morning, no other country has publicly commented on the potential plan.
Earlier in the week, Trump proposed that the U.S. assume control of the Gaza Strip to rehabilitate the war-torn territory.
Which has been largely destroyed, leaving millions displaced.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that under Trump’s plan, Palestinians would be temporarily relocated.
In order to facilitate the leveling and rebuilding of the area.
