On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on ABC’s “This Week” to discuss the Trump administration’s latest efforts to achieve peace between Israel and Hamas. Rubio highlighted a new proposal that he believes could lead to a full release of hostages and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
Rubio stated that the first step in this plan is crucial: all 48 hostages must be released. This includes 20 who are alive and 28 who have died. In exchange for their release, Israel would pull its military forces back to a line known as the “yellow line,” which reflects Israel’s military position as of August 2024. Rubio emphasized the necessity of getting every hostage home before considering any long-term solutions. “Priority number one is to get the hostages released,” he said firmly, adding that without this initial breakthrough, peace is unlikely.
The second phase of the proposed deal involves creating a governance structure for Gaza. This would be overseen by the U.S., Israel, and international partners, with a focus on appointing technocrats who have no connections to Hamas or other terrorist groups. Rubio acknowledged the challenges of this task but stressed its importance for a sustainable end to the conflict.
When pressed about Palestinian statehood, Rubio avoided a simple yes or no answer. He acknowledged that while the aspiration for statehood exists, it must be earned through effective governance and security guarantees, rather than being given to a group that still poses a threat to Israel. “Forget about statehood,” he said, if Gaza continues to support terrorism.
Demobilization is another critical aspect of the plan. Rubio warned that as long as threats to Israel’s security come from Gaza, peace will remain elusive. He insisted that any group, including Hamas, that engages in violence or terrorism must be disarmed.
Rubio also discussed the logistics of a potential hostage exchange, noting that military operations would need to pause to ensure the safety of those involved. He mentioned that Israel has agreed to stop offensive operations, only responding to immediate threats.
However, Rubio remained realistic about the situation. He acknowledged the risks involved, especially if Hamas does not follow through on releasing the hostages. He hinted that the U.S. would reassess its position if Hamas plays games with the negotiations.
The urgency of the situation was clear as Rubio expressed a desire for quick action. “We cannot be here three weeks from now still discussing the logistics of how hostages are going to be released,” he warned.
In summary, the Trump administration’s peace framework focuses first on securing the release of hostages and second on establishing a stable, non-terrorist governance system in Gaza. While Rubio expressed optimism, he also cautioned that the road ahead would not be easy. He concluded by saying, “We are in a much better place today than we were seven days ago.”
