US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed his support for Israel’s war aims in the Gaza Strip, stating that Hamas “must be eradicated” amid a shaky ceasefire. The comments have cast further doubt on the fragile truce.
Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of a regional tour, where he is expected to face pushback from Arab leaders over US President Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer the Palestinian population out of Gaza and redevelop it under US ownership.
Netanyahu has welcomed the plan, calling it a “common strategy” for Gaza. The Israeli leader has signaled readiness to resume the war if Hamas doesn’t release dozens of remaining hostages abducted in October 2023.
The second phase of the ceasefire, which involves Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a lasting truce, is yet to be negotiated. Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said he had “very productive” calls with Netanyahu and officials from Egypt and Qatar about continuing talks this week.
Rubio expressed concern that as long as Hamas continues to pose a threat, peace becomes impossible. “It must be eradicated,” he said. Such language could complicate talks with Hamas, which reasserted control over Gaza despite suffering heavy losses in the 16-month war.
Arab leaders are wary of US President Trump’s proposal, fearing it would undermine their peace treaties and destabilize the region. Egypt has warned that any mass influx of Palestinians from Gaza would undermine its nearly half-century peace treaty with Israel.
Rubio will visit regional heavyweights, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have rejected any mass displacement of Palestinians. The US Secretary of State’s comments have further highlighted the challenges in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Gaza.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-15-2025-1cf8b3cb7622489c368c610f85e51e35