U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed strong support for Israel’s aim to “eradicate” Hamas in Gaza. This declaration raises questions about Washington’s dedication to a tenuous ceasefire agreement that it facilitated last month.
Rubio emphasized the urgency of releasing the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza, asserting that the Palestinian militant organization can no longer maintain control over the devastated territory. His remarks reflect a hardline stance, potentially shifting the dynamics of ongoing negotiations and peace efforts in the region.
Hamas “cannot continue as a military or government force” in Gaza, insisting they “must be eliminated” during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. His comments cast doubt on Washington’s commitment to a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered last month.
Rubio also referenced President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding the potential removal of a significant portion of Gaza’s population to facilitate redevelopment. He described this perspective as a “bold” vision for the territory’s future, warning that without such drastic measures, the “same cycle will repeat over and over again.”
The proposed plan, which suggests relocating Palestinians to countries like Egypt and Jordan, has faced widespread rejection from Arab leaders. Many are reluctant to appear complicit in the forced displacement of Palestinians, fearing it could destabilize the region and jeopardize their own security.
The United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, played a crucial role in mediating a 42-day truce in the ongoing Gaza conflict. To date, 19 Israelis and five Thai foreign workers taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack have been released, alongside hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire is now nearing its fifth week.
Currently, over 70 Israelis remain in captivity, with 14 expected to be released in the next two weeks per the ceasefire terms. However, both Israeli and U.S. officials are urging that this timeline be expedited. “We’re not in favor of waiting weeks and weeks,” Rubio stated in an interview with CBS News, emphasizing the urgency of securing the release of hostages “as soon as possible.”
Negotiations for the second phase of the truce have yet to commence and are already two weeks behind schedule, with both sides exchanging accusations over alleged violations. This next phase is anticipated to entail a permanent cessation of hostilities, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all remaining hostages.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, announced on Fox News that discussions would take place over the coming week at an undisclosed location, aiming to successfully navigate the second phase.
Following a call from Witkoff, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Israeli Prime Minister would convene his security cabinet on Monday to deliberate on the next steps. Netanyahu has consistently called for nothing less than “total victory” over Hamas.
Alongside Rubio, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its objectives in Gaza, which include “eliminating” Hamas’s military capabilities and political authority while securing the return of all hostages. “President Trump and I are working in full cooperation and coordination,” he stated. “We have a common strategy, though we cannot always disclose the details to the public — including when the gates of hell on Hamas will be opened, as they surely will if all our hostages are not released.”
Netanyahu concluded by emphasizing Trump’s “bold vision for Gaza,” expressing optimism that the two nations would collaborate to make this future a reality.
