February 18, 2025
2 mins read

Trump’s Dealmaker in Saudi for Controversial Gaza Plan

A key agenda item for Rubio was promoting Trump’s Gaza relocation proposal, a plan that has drawn strong condemnation from Arab states…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Riyadh for talks with Saudi officials, focusing on a controversial US proposal for Gaza, as part of his first Middle East tour as the top US diplomat.

Rubio’s trip to Saudi Arabia followed US President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza and relocate millions of Palestinians from the besieged enclave.

The US State Department confirmed that Rubio met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, during which he underlined the importance of a Gaza arrangement that contributes to regional security, Xinhua news agency reported.

The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that they discussed regional and global developments and efforts to achieve security and stability.

Rubio also met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss bolstering bilateral ties, the latest regional and international developments, and efforts exerted towards them, the SPA reported.

According to US news outlets, a key agenda item for Rubio was promoting Trump’s Gaza relocation proposal, a plan that has drawn strong condemnation from Arab states.

Egypt, along with Saudi Arabia and Jordan, has been leading efforts to formulate an Arab-led alternative. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced last week that Egypt plans to present a “comprehensive vision” for Gaza reconstruction that does not involve population displacement.

Riyadh is set to host a regional summit on Friday, with attendance from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and others, to formalise their proposals.

While the US has indicated it is open to alternative proposals from Arab governments, Rubio has stated that “the only plan is the Trump plan.”

In a separate diplomatic track, Rubio will join US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia is the second stop on Rubio’s Middle East tour. He has already visited Israel and is expected to travel to the UAE.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu, Rubio Reaffirm Gaza Cooperation

ALSO READ: European Politics at a Crossroads

Previous Story

Europe should continue supporting Ukraine: Scholz

Next Story

Hasina Accuses Yunus Govt of Aiding Terrorism

Latest from -Top News

Ould Tah to head AfDB

Tah, a seasoned economist and development financier, will formally assume office on 1 September 2025, taking over from Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected as the

Big pay bump for SA workers

The landmark move, which follows months of intense negotiations with trade unions, is expected to benefit millions of civil servants across national and provincial departments. South Africa’s government has confirmed a sweeping

Deadly floods ravage Nigeria

Triggered by torrential rains and the collapse of a nearby dam on May 28, 2025, the floods have submerged vast areas, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced thousands of residents. The death toll from

Piyush Goyal Begins Europe Visit

As part of the visit, the minister will meet top leadership of major French companies such as Vicat, Total Energies, L’Oreal, Renault, Valeo, EDF and ATR….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of

Call to Greylist Pakistan Over Terror Links

Freddy Svane, the former Danish Ambassador to India, said that it is high time for the world to acknowledge that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terrorism in the region….reports Asian Lite News
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Aid Access to Gaza Severely Hampered, Says UN

Shortly after its reopening on May 8, militants fired eight

US urges Cambodia for transparency over Chinese activity at navy base

US embassy spokesperson Chad Roedemeier in a statement said that