The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed his support for Israel's objectives in the Gaza Strip during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rubio stated that Hamas should be eradicated to ensure peace in the region. These statements could escalate tensions around the fragile ceasefire and complicate negotiations with the Palestinian group.
During the meeting, Rubio emphasized that Hamas cannot continue to operate as a military or governmental force. It is worth noting that the attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which included the kidnapping of dozens of people, was a trigger for the current conflict. The meeting between Rubio and Netanyahu comes just before the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, which allowed for the release of some hostages.
According to the Gaza Interior Ministry, controlled by Hamas, three Palestinian police officers died while securing the entry of humanitarian aid trucks near Rafah, on the border with Egypt. This incident underscores the fragility of the truce and highlights the difficulties in advancing negotiations aimed at a lasting resolution to the conflict.
"The gates of hell would open if Hamas does not release the hostages," Netanyahu warned during the meeting, adopting a tone similar to that of former President Trump. Despite the first phase of the ceasefire nearing its end, the second phase, which includes a prisoner exchange of Palestinian prisoners for hostages, an extended truce, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, is still pending.
As Rubio reaffirmed his position, reports emerged of an airstrike by the Israeli army in southern Gaza against individuals approaching their forces. Rubio reiterated the United States' commitment to Israel and expressed support for President Trump's plan to relocate the Palestinian population outside Gaza and rebuild the enclave under U.S. administration.
Despite the losses suffered by Hamas, the group maintains its control over Gaza, posing a significant challenge to U.S. and Israeli-led diplomatic efforts. "As long as it remains a force that can govern or threaten through the use of violence, peace becomes impossible," Rubio emphasized during the meeting.
