US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Sunday that Israel must stop its bombing campaign in Gaza for a hostage release to proceed. He argued that a hostage exchange cannot happen during active combat operations, stressing that a hostage exchange requires a complete cessation of hostilities.
“I think the Israelis and everyone acknowledge you can’t release hostages in the middle of strikes,” Rubio told CBS’s “Face the Nation.” He firmly stated that the strikes will have to stop for any progress. “There can’t be a war going on in the middle of it,” Rubio added.
In a text exchange with a CNN reporter, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports ending the military campaign in Gaza. This development comes as negotiators from Israel and Hamas prepare to hold talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with Netanyahu expressing optimism that hostages could be released within days.
This diplomatic push follows Hamas’s positive response to a US roadmap that would end the fighting and release captives. It specifically involves an exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
Long-Term Gaza Governance Poses Major Challenge
Secretary Rubio also acknowledged significant logistical challenges for the initial release. He then warned that achieving longer-term goals will prove even more difficult. Determining a future government for the war-ravaged territory presents a huge obstacle. The process of disarming militant groups will also be extremely complex.
“You can’t set up a government structure in Gaza that’s not Hamas in three days,” Rubio told NBC’s “Meet the Press.” He emphasized that such a monumental task simply takes more time. President Trump also weighed in on the militant group’s intentions. He said he expects clarity soon on whether Hamas remains committed to peace.
President Trump expressed hope for clarity regarding Hamas’s commitment to peace, stating, “I expect to have clarity soon.” Trump warned that if Hamas refuses to relinquish power, they would face “Complete Obliteration!” This statement underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential consequences of continued hostilities.
