Marco Rubio: Gaza War Not Yet Over, Hostage Release Remains Priority
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the war in Gaza has "not yet" ended, emphasizing that the release of hostages held by Hamas is the immediate priority. He highlighted ongoing efforts to secure their release while acknowledging the complexities of establishing lasting peace.
Hostage Release: The First Phase
Rubio described the release of the hostages as the initial phase of a broader peace plan. He noted that Hamas has "basically" agreed to President Donald Trump's proposal, which outlines a framework for releasing the hostages. Meetings are currently underway to coordinate logistical details, including the involvement of the Red Cross and ensuring a cessation of hostilities during the exchange. Israel has agreed to move troops back to the "yellow line," their position in mid-August, as part of this phase.
Challenges of Long-Term Peace
The second phase focuses on the long-term future of Gaza, which Rubio described as "even harder." This involves establishing a "Palestinian technocratic leadership that is not Hamas," assisted by the international community. He specifically mentioned the critical need for the disarmament and demobilization of terrorist groups. Rubio questioned, "How do you disarm any sort of terrorist groups that are going to be building tunnels and conducting attacks against Israel? How do you get them to demobilize?" Without demobilization, he warned, lasting peace is impossible.
Negotiations and Uncertainty
Rubio emphasized that the U.S. will "very quickly" determine Hamas's seriousness based on the progress of technical talks. He cautioned that "nothing is certain" and that "no one can tell you it’s a 100 percent guarantee." He stressed the importance of these negotiations to ensure the safety and swift return of the hostages. An official briefed on the talks said the negotiations will focus on hammering out a comprehensive deal before a ceasefire can be implemented.
Trump's Peace Plan and International Response
President Trump's plan proposes an end to the fighting and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian captives held in Israeli prisons. Trump expressed his belief that Hamas had shown it was "ready for a lasting PEACE" and called on Israel to halt airstrikes in Gaza. The plan has stirred hopes for peace among Palestinians, while some in Israel have also expressed optimism.
Broader Implications and Obstacles
The situation is complex, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing pressure from both hostage families and hardline members of his coalition who oppose any let-up in the campaign in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered political support to ensure the peace initiative succeeds. Rubio stated that creating the conditions for peace must precede any discussion of statehood. He concluded that getting the hostages released is the most important step to build momentum for the rest of the peace effort.
