US Secretary of State Marco Rubio fully endorsed Israel’s war aims in Gaza, stating that Hamas “must be eradicated,” raising further uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire, reported AP.
Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of a regional tour, where he is expected to face resistance from Arab leaders over US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza and redevelop the territory under US control.
Netanyahu welcomed the plan, stating that he and Trump have a “common strategy” for Gaza. He warned that “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages abducted during the militant group’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing 16-month war.
Their statements come two weeks before the ceasefire’s first phase is set to expire. The second phase, which involves Hamas releasing additional hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, remains under negotiation.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News that he had “very productive” talks on Sunday with Netanyahu and officials from Egypt and Qatar, who are acting as mediators. He added that the upcoming hostage release includes 19 Israeli soldiers, stating, “we believe all of them are alive,” reported AP.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the discussions and said Israel’s security Cabinet would meet Monday to assess the next phase.
“As long as it stands as a force that can govern or as a force that can administer or as a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible,” Rubio said, as per AP. “It must be eradicated.”
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Hamas, which reasserted control over Gaza following the ceasefire despite significant losses, dismissed Netanyahu’s stance.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed an airstrike on individuals approaching its forces in southern Gaza. The Hamas-run Interior Ministry reported that the strike killed three police officers escorting aid trucks near Rafah on the Egyptian border. Hamas condemned the attack as a “serious violation” of the ceasefire.
Rubio is set to visit the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, key players in the region.
(With inputs from AP)
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