Israel-Hamas Ceasefire in Jeopardy as Marco Rubio Endorses Benjamin Netanyahu’s War Goals | International News
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has expressed his strong support for Israel’s military objectives in the Gaza Strip, casting further uncertainty over the region’s delicate ceasefire.
Mr. Rubio met with high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday as he commenced a tour of the Middle East that is expected to elicit resistance from Arab leaders concerning Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” and redevelop Gaza.
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire started on January 19, with the first phase set to conclude in two weeks. Negotiations for the second phase are still pending.
Mr. Rubio asserted that Hamas must not persist as either a military or governing authority, employing rhetoric that could complicate negotiations.
“As long as it remains a governing force or a formidable entity capable of threatening through violence, achieving peace becomes unattainable,” he stated.
“It must be eliminated.”
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Hamas reasserted its control over Gaza at the outset of the ceasefire and has begun the process of releasing hostages taken during its attack on October 7, 2023, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Mr. Rubio’s remarks coincided with reports from the Israeli military claiming they conducted an airstrike on Sunday against individuals approaching their forces in southern Gaza.
Gaza’s Hamas-operated Interior Ministry alleged that three of its police officers were killed while they facilitated the entry of aid trucks at the Egyptian border. Hamas labeled the attack a “serious violation” of the ceasefire agreement.
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Mr. Netanyahu, who has endorsed Mr. Trump’s plan for Gaza, has indicated a willingness to engage in conflict once the current ceasefire phase ends.
He has presented Hamas with an opportunity to surrender and exile its top leaders, an offer which the group has declined.
Though the phase one hostage releases have generally proceeded as expected, there have been complications.
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Mr. Trump has suggested that Palestinians leave the Gaza Strip permanently for US redevelopment efforts
Earlier this week, Hamas threatened to postpone the release due to Mr. Netanyahu’s failure to approve the entry of mobile homes and heavy machinery into Gaza as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement.
In retaliation, Israel, supported by Mr. Trump, warned it would resume military action if the hostages were not released.
Mr. Rubio’s tour will include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, notably omitting Egypt and Jordan, two long-time US allies resistant to accepting additional Palestinian refugees.
