Rubio describes U.S. offer to lead Gaza reconstruction as ‘‘generous’’; details to be negotiated with partners

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked about a proposal attributed to U.S. President Trump to take responsibility for reconstruction in Gaza. Rubio said the offer — to assist with debris removal, clearance of unexploded munitions and rebuilding homes and infrastructure — is intended as a generous humanitarian and reconstruction role and that details would have to be worked out with partner nations.

"What the president ... announced yesterday is the offer, the willingness of The United States to become responsible for the reconstruction of that area," Rubio said. He said the task would include removing unexploded munitions and debris before people could safely return and compared the undertaking to clearing and rebuilding after a natural disaster.

Rubio said prior U.S. proposals for Palestinian support have included large funding packages and that if a reconstruction role were accepted, partner nations would need to coordinate on temporary housing, debris clearance and long‑term rebuilding. He described the proposal as unique and said it was not intended as a hostile move.

Rubio did not provide a timeline, a funding figure or which partner nations would participate; he said such matters would need to be negotiated if the offer were accepted.