US Senator Marco Rubio yesterday emphasized the urgent need for Hamas disarmament while expressing cautious optimism about advancing the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire during talks with regional envoys.
Top officials from Qatar and Egypt, key mediators of the ceasefire, along with Turkey, traveled to Miami on Friday to meet US envoys, including Steve Witkoff, a close associate of former President Donald Trump.
Acknowledging the complexity of peace efforts in Gaza, Rubio described the October ceasefire, which followed the release of hostages, as “a miracle.”
“Every day brings new challenges, and we recognize these challenges come from all sides,” Rubio said during a Washington news conference.
The next phase of the ceasefire outlines Israel’s withdrawal from certain positions in Gaza, the establishment of an interim authority to govern the Palestinian territory instead of Hamas, and the deployment of an international stabilization force.
Rubio warned that peace hinges on the disarmament of Hamas.
“If Hamas is ever in a position to threaten or attack Israel again, peace will be impossible,” he said. “That’s why disarmament is critical.”
Meanwhile, Hamas Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya defended the group’s right to bear arms, while another senior official stressed the need to address Israeli violations of the truce.
“Our people expect these talks to end Israeli lawlessness, halt violations, and ensure the occupation abides by the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement,” said Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim.
Hope for International Troops
Rubio expressed confidence that multiple countries might contribute troops to the stabilization force in Gaza. Pakistan, despite not recognizing Israel, has shown interest, while Indonesia offered 20,000 peacekeepers. However, Israel has opposed Turkish involvement, citing Ankara’s vocal criticism of its Gaza operations.
Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns
The ceasefire has faced ongoing challenges. Gaza’s civil defense reported that five civilians were killed in recent Israeli shelling, bringing the total Palestinian casualties since October 10 to 400. Israel has also reported three soldiers killed, citing truce violations by Hamas.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for “real and effective pressure” to halt daily violations, while Hamas urged that the talks improve humanitarian aid access for Gaza’s residents.
The first phase of the agreement secured the release of most hostages held by Palestinian militants, with only one remaining body yet to be returned. The third phase of the ceasefire focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza, devastated by retaliatory Israeli strikes following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
As discussions continue, the world watches a delicate balance of diplomacy, security, and humanitarian needs unfold — highlighting the shared urgency to protect civilians and restore stability in the region.
