US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate the population of Gaza will be temporary.

The proposal comes after Trump suggested the United States could "take control" of Gaza and relocate the millions of Palestinians living there. The idea has been met with opposition from the United Nations, human rights groups and Arab leaders, the BBC reports.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt clarified the president's comments, stressing that the US is not planning to deploy "troops on the ground" in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed support for the idea, stating that the people of Gaza “must be allowed to enjoy freedom of exit and immigration.” However, he did not provide clear details on how this plan would be implemented.

During a visit to Guatemala, Rubio defended the proposal, calling it a “generous move” that demonstrates “the willingness of the United States to take responsibility for rebuilding the area.” He explained that the plan would allow the people of Gaza to temporarily leave while the rubble was cleared and reconstruction took place.

Leavitt reiterated Wednesday that the president is committed to rebuilding Gaza and temporarily relocating its residents in the process. However, Trump said Tuesday that the relocation would be permanent.

Regarding the deployment of troops in Gaza, Leavitt said there is no commitment, but did not rule out the possibility of US military involvement.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised Trump's proposal, adding that Gaza residents "will be allowed to enjoy freedom of exit and immigration" by land, sea and air.

He said that countries like Spain, Ireland and Norway, critics of the war, "are legally obliged to allow every Gazan resident to enter their territory."

Spain's Foreign Minister has categorically rejected this proposal, adding to the wave of international opposition to Trump's controversial plan.