U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently visiting Israel, has strongly backed President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace framework for the Gaza Strip, declaring it the “best” and “only plan” to secure a lasting peace. He explicitly stated, “There is no plan B.”
Rubio’s comments in Tel Aviv on Friday affirmed the U.S. administration’s commitment to the multi-phase agreement that recently led to a ceasefire and a significant hostage release.
Key Takeaways from Rubio’s Statements:
- Sole Path to Peace: Rubio positioned the Trump administration’s 20-point plan as the singular viable option, emphasizing its successful implementation in achieving the initial truce.
- Israel’s Commitments: He asserted that Israel has met its commitments under the deal’s initial phase, standing at “the yellow line” of the agreement.
- No U.S. Permission Needed: Addressing the possibility of renewed conflict, Rubio clarified that Israel does not need U.S. approval to resume hostilities if Hamas threatens the peace. The focus, he stressed, is on ensuring the plan works.
- Demands on Hamas: The Secretary of State called on Hamas to disarm, stating that the deal is contingent upon demilitarization. He acknowledged this part of the agreement’s second phase will be a “long-term project.”
- Continuing Challenges: Despite the recent breakthrough—the two-phase release of all 20 Israeli live hostages to the Red Cross—the truce remains fragile. Hamas has rejected Israel’s demand to disarm, and core issues like the post-war governance of Gaza and Hamas’s future role are unresolved.
- Hostage Remains: Rubio noted that the process has begun for Hamas to return the remains of deceased hostages. This exchange is part of the agreement, with Israel set to return the bodies of 360 Palestinian militants.
Rubio concluded by expressing a desire to create conditions in Gaza so that people can live “free from terror” and have a “better future.”
