U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed strong support for Israel’s military objectives in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that Hamas must be eliminated as tensions rise over the ongoing conflict. His comments come amid uncertainty surrounding a fragile ceasefire, the second phase of which has yet to be negotiated. Rubio’s remarks were made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of a regional tour, where he is expected to encounter resistance from Arab leaders regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza.
Netanyahu has praised Trump’s plan, asserting that both he and the U.S. president share a "common strategy" for Gaza. He warned that failure to secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, could lead to dire consequences. The current phase of the ceasefire is set to conclude in two weeks, and discussions for the next phase, which would involve a potential exchange of hostages and a lasting truce, have yet to commence.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated that negotiations for the second phase would indeed move forward, citing productive discussions with Netanyahu and mediators from Egypt and Qatar. He confirmed that among the hostages expected to be released are 19 Israeli soldiers, all believed to be alive.
As the situation develops, Netanyahu’s security Cabinet is scheduled to meet to address the upcoming negotiations, while he has also dispatched negotiators to Cairo to further discuss the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire. Rubio has reiterated that Hamas cannot continue to exist as a military or governing force, stating that its eradication is essential for peace in the region.
Despite suffering significant losses, Hamas has managed to maintain control of Gaza during the ceasefire. The conflict has now reached its 500th day, and Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to resume military operations, which could jeopardize the lives of remaining hostages.
In a bid to pressure Arab states into proposing their own plans for Gaza’s future, Rubio suggested that Arab nations should consider sending troops to confront Hamas. However, he acknowledged the challenges involved, stating that if regional countries cannot address the situation, Israel will have to take action itself.
The prospect of mass displacement of Palestinians poses a significant dilemma for Arab leaders, who are wary of the potential backlash and destabilization that such actions could incite. Egypt is working on a counterproposal to allow for Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its population, as human rights advocates warn that such expulsions would likely violate international law.
While the UAE and Saudi Arabia have rejected the idea of relocating Palestinians, they remain crucial players in any regional response. Rubio’s tour will not include meetings with Palestinian representatives, highlighting the ongoing divide in addressing the conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely for developments that could reshape the future of Gaza and its inhabitants.