US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has resolutely supported the goals of Israel in the war in Gaza, stating that Hamas “must be eliminated.” The comments, given while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday in West Jerusalem, cast additional doubt over the tenuous ceasefire.
Rubio’s visit comes as the starting point of a tour of the region, in which he is to encounter opposition from Arab leaders about US President Donald Trump’s incendiary suggestion of moving Gaza’s Palestinian inhabitants and rebuilding the area under US control a move condemned by human rights groups as ethnic cleansing.
“The president has been courageous, presenting something different instead of the same old conventional wisdom of before,” Rubio said in a statement to reporters. Netanyahu shared his view, saying the plan is “bold” and reinforcing his support for Trump on the future of Gaza. He further warned that “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas would not free the remaining hostages from its attack on October 7, 2023.
The statements arrive on the heels of expiring the initial phase of the truce. While the second phase, set to feature prisoner swap, lasting ceasefire, and withdrawal of Israelis, is not finalized, the words of Rubio hint at the toughening stance.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that there are negotiations underway, with an Israeli delegation to head to Cairo on Monday for more talks. Former US diplomat Nabeel Khoury, however, criticized Rubio’s policy for bypassing the Palestinian Authority, citing his next destinations as Riyadh and perhaps the UAE.
Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan rejected Trump’s plan for relocation, reasserting Palestinian resilience. “It’s not real estate it’s a homeland,” he said, claiming that demands for the destruction of Hamas have always made the group stronger.
