US Secretary of State Emphasizes Preventing Hamas from Governing Gaza Again

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, stated that the US and Egypt must collaborate to ensure that Hamas can never govern Gaza again or threaten Israel. In separate calls with the foreign ministers of Qatar and Egypt, he discussed the latest developments in Gaza and regional security issues. Rubio expressed appreciation for Qatar's mediating efforts to free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and the security cooperation between Doha and Washington. He emphasized the need to hold Hamas accountable and secure the release of all remaining hostages, praising Qatar's role in facilitating the release of two American citizens detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The US Secretary of State also deemed cooperation with Qatar important for strengthening regional peace and security and planning for Gaza's future post-war. In his call with Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelattif, Rubio thanked Egypt for its role in mediating a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages, and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. He reiterated the necessity of close cooperation for post-war planning, stating, 'We must ensure that this group is never able to govern Gaza or threaten Israel again.' These discussions come as the US seeks to work with regional allies to find a solution to the Gaza crisis and ensure long-term regional security. The Secretary of State's dialogue with the King of Jordan focused on Gaza and Syria, the return of three hundred thousand Palestinians to northern Gaza with Israel's permission, efforts by Israel and mediators to initiate the second phase of the agreement and prisoner exchange, Netanyahu's renewed emphasis on the destruction of Hamas and the return of all hostages, and a ceasefire that will take effect at 8:30 AM local time on Sunday, marking the end of fifteen months of war in Gaza, with Israel approving a temporary ceasefire agreement.