US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently visiting Israel, emphasized that President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza is the most optimal and singular strategy for achieving lasting peace, as reported by Time of Israel. Rubio acknowledged Israel’s adherence to the terms of the war and ceasefire with Hamas, urging the terrorist organization to disarm. He made it clear that Israel does not require US authorization to resume military actions if Hamas threatens peace.
Earlier this month, Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages in two phases to the Red Cross, marking a significant development in the new Gaza ceasefire agreement following a two-year conflict initiated by Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023.
During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Rubio addressed questions regarding Israel’s potential response to Hamas rearming or regrouping, emphasizing the commitment to the current peace plan. He stressed the importance of fulfilling the deal’s conditions, highlighting Israel’s compliance and the necessity of demilitarization.
Despite recent progress, uncertainties loom over the future of the Gaza truce, particularly concerning governance post-war and the fate of Hamas as outlined in Trump’s 20-point plan. Hamas’s refusal to disarm poses a challenge to the fragile ceasefire, complicating the path forward. Rubio acknowledged the prolonged nature of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, emphasizing the goal of providing a peaceful and prosperous future for Gaza residents.
Additionally, efforts have begun to retrieve the remains of deceased hostages from Hamas, with Israel raising concerns about the slow pace of return. Hamas cites challenges in locating remains amidst Gaza’s extensive destruction. As part of the agreement, Israel is expected to return 360 bodies of Palestinian militants in exchange for the deceased Israeli hostages.