JERUSALEM (AP) — On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated he was progressing with U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza, labeling it “the only feasible strategy to foster a different future” for the region.
Netanyahu conferred with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who initiated a Middle East visit by endorsing Israel’s military objectives in Gaza, asserting that Hamas “must be eliminated.” This situation has cast further uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire as discussions regarding its next phase have yet to commence.
During his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Rubio is expected to encounter increased resistance from Arab leaders regarding Trump’s plan, which proposes the redevelopment of Gaza under U.S. oversight. While Netanyahu has asserted that all emigration from Gaza should be “voluntary,” rights organizations and other critics argue that the plan constitutes coercion due to the extensive devastation in the territory.
READ MORE: Trump states Palestinians would have no right to return under his plan for U.S. ‘ownership’ of Gaza
Netanyahu remarked that he and Trump share a “unified strategy” regarding Gaza. Reflecting Trump’s sentiments, he warned that “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas fails to release the numerous hostages still held since the militant group’s assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which instigated the ongoing conflict.
The first phase of the ceasefire is set to conclude in two weeks. Negotiations intended to start two weeks ago regarding the second phase, which involves Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, are still pending.
Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, informed Fox News that “phase two is definitely going to commence” and that he had “very fruitful” discussions on Sunday with Netanyahu and officials from Egypt and Qatar, both acting as mediators, concerning the continuation of talks this week. He also indicated that among the hostages to be released are 19 Israeli soldiers, with expectations that all are alive.
Netanyahu’s office noted that Israel’s security Cabinet is set to convene on Monday to deliberate on the next phase.
In another indication of aligning efforts, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced the receipt of a shipment of 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) MK-84 ordnance from the United States. Last year, the Biden administration had deferred a shipment of such munitions due to concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
Resuming the conflict could endanger hostages
This week marks 500 days of the conflict. Netanyahu has expressed a willingness to resume military action following the current phase of the ceasefire, which could jeopardize the lives of remaining hostages.
Rubio stated that peace becomes unattainable as long as Hamas “continues to exist as a governing entity or as a threat through violence,” insisting that it “must be eradicated.”
Hamas reestablished its authority over Gaza when the ceasefire commenced last month, despite suffering significant losses.
Netanyahu has offered Hamas the opportunity to surrender and allow top leaders to enter exile. However, Hamas has rejected this offer and insists on maintaining Palestinian governance. Spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou conveyed to The Associated Press that the group is open to a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to govern Gaza.
Netanyahu has instructed negotiators to depart for Cairo on Monday to further discuss the implementation of the ceasefire’s initial phase, as challenges related to the delivery of shelter materials persist.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced an airstrike against individuals approaching forces in southern Gaza. The Hamas-operated Interior Ministry reported that three of its police officers were killed while securing the entry of aid trucks near Rafah at the Egyptian border.
‘If someone has a better plan … that’s great’
In a recent interview, Rubio suggested that Trump’s Gaza proposal partly aims to compel Arab nations to formulate their own post-conflict strategies that would satisfy Israel.
He also hinted at the possibility of Arab nations deploying troops to confront Hamas.
“If the Arab nations have a superior plan, that’s wonderful,” Rubio stated Thursday during the “Clay and Buck Show.”
However, he added, “Hamas is armed.” He insisted that “someone needs to challenge those guys. It won’t be American soldiers. And if regional countries cannot resolve this issue, then Israel will have to take action.”
Rubio’s itinerary does not include meetings with Palestinians during his visit.
Arabs face limited choices
For Arab leaders, enabling the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or combating Palestinian militants on behalf of Israel presents daunting challenges that would provoke severe domestic backlash and risk further destabilizing an already volatile region.
Egypt is set to host an Arab summit on February 27 and is collaborating with other nations on a counterproposal that would facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction without the displacement of its inhabitants. Human rights advocates argue that the forced removal of Palestinians would likely contravene international law.
READ MORE: Egypt aims to counter Trump’s Gaza exodus proposal while Israel initiates preparations
Egypt has cautioned that any large influx of Palestinians from Gaza could jeopardize its nearly half-century peace treaty with Israel, a key component of U.S. influence in the region.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have also expressed rejection of any mass displacement of Palestinians.
The UAE took a leading role in the 2020 Abraham Accords, wherein four Arab nations — Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco, and Sudan — normalized relations with Israel during Trump’s previous administration. Trump seeks to extend these accords to include Saudi Arabia, potentially offering enhanced U.S. defense ties; however, the kingdom has stated it will not normalize relations with Israel unless a pathway to a Palestinian state is established.
Rubio is not scheduled to visit Egypt or Jordan, close U.S. allies at peace with Israel, which have refused to accept any influx of Palestinian refugees. Trump has suggested potential reductions in U.S. aid if these nations do not comply, which could have dire consequences for their economies.
Rubio will also be bypassing Qatar.
Arab and Muslim nations have conditioned any support for post-conflict Gaza on a return to Palestinian governance with a pathway to statehood in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, territories seized by Israel during the 1967 Mideast conflict.
Israel has dismissed the concept of a Palestinian state and any involvement of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority in Gaza, which was ousted by Hamas in 2007.
Natalie Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel. Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo.
