Rubio says ongoing Gaza peace negotiations are 'not yet' the end of the war
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that the ongoing talks between Hamas and Israel are not concluding the war and that organizing a new governing body for Gaza will take “some time,” though a plan is in place.

It comes as Israel and Hamas appear to be inching closer to implementing a 20-point peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump.

“All parties, including Israel, agree that eventually, Gaza will be overseen by a Palestinian technocratic group without ties to Hamas or terrorism, guided by an international consortium akin to the board of peace,” Rubio stated, reflecting the language of the proposed peace plan.

At the same time, Rubio said, “You can’t set up a governance structure in Gaza that’s not Hamas in three days.”

“I mean, it takes some time,” he said.

The peace plan outlines that Gaza would “temporarily transition under the governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee.” The plan also ensures that Hamas, currently in control of Gaza, will not participate in future governance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the peace plan, which includes the release of all Israeli hostages by Hamas, during his recent visit to the White House.

Hamas signaled readiness to release all hostages, living or deceased, and plans to dispatch a team to Cairo for detailed negotiations starting Monday. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner will attend on the U.S.’s behalf.

When moderator Kristen Welker asked if the peace talks signified the end of the conflict in Gaza, Rubio responded, “not yet.”

“There’s some work that remains to be done,” he said, pointing to ongoing meetings to determine the logistics of implementing a peace plan.

The parties now need to determine, first, how hostages are released, and, second, how to create new Palestinian leadership.

Palestinians.
Palestinians watch smoke billowing during Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 1. Bashar Taleb / AFP – Getty Images

“How do you create this Palestinian technocratic leadership that’s not Hamas, that’s not terrorists, and with the help of the international community?” Rubio said, laying out ongoing issues. “How do you disarm any sort of terrorist groups that are going to be building tunnels and conducting attacks against Israel?”

There are ongoing talks to determine logistically how hostages could be released, he said.

“You have to make sure the Red Cross can get there, what time they’re going to be there, where they’re going to be,” Rubio said. “All that has to be worked through.”

Asked whether hostages could be released as early as this week, Rubio said, “We want it to be as soon as possible.”

Trump has said that Israel agreed to withdraw to an initial line cutting through Gaza in order for the hostage deal to move forward. The initial withdrawal line, marked by a yellow line in a graphic posted by Trump, would withdraw the Israeli military to the outskirts of several major cities.

Before Israel withdraws further, Rubio noted that the parties had to determine who would take control of the territory.

“When we ask Israel, ‘OK, you’re at the yellow line, now everything behind it you have to turn it over,’ You have to have somebody to turn it over to,” Rubio said. “So, I mean, let’s be realistic here. You can’t just set up a sort of new governance structure inside of Gaza in 72 hours.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Chicago Incident: Woman Shot by Border Agents Released from Hospital and Detained by FBI

A woman who was shot by federal immigration agents on Saturday morning…

Court Halts Trump Policy Detaining Migrant Teens in Adult Facilities

A federal judge has temporarily halted a new Trump administration measure aimed…

FBI Reports ‘Anti-ICE’ Labels on Bullets Used in Dallas ICE Facility Shooting

Bullets fired from a weapon involved in a deadly shooting at the…

Court Halts Trump’s Plan to Send National Guard to Portland Indefinitely

A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy 200…

Bad Bunny Makes Super Bowl Halftime Joke on ‘SNL’

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Survey: Majority of Americans Think Shutdown Will Be Over in Two Weeks or Less

According to a recent poll, a majority of Americans anticipate the government…

Jewelry Booth at Apple Festival Rallies Together Following Cancer Diagnosis

In Unicoi County, Tennessee, Angelica Markland, proprietor of Artistic Icing, designs jewelry…

Experience a Month of Spooky Celebrations this Fall in St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — October has arrived, bringing Halloween with it,…

Trump Leverages AI-Driven Media on Truth Social to Target Rivals and Enhance Reputation

Shortly before midnight on Thursday, amidst the government shutdown, President Donald Trump…

Alessandro Michele Unveils 70s-Inspired Valentino Collection at Paris Fashion Show

PARIS – Amidst a backdrop of flashing lights that hinted more at…

Court Temporarily Halts Trump Administration’s Troop Deployment in Portland, Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – President Donald Trump’s administration was temporarily restrained by a…

Chicago Official Accuses Feds of Behaving Like a ‘White Supremacist Group’

A Chicago alderperson experienced an unsettling encounter with federal immigration officials when…