JERUSALEM:In a strong show of solidarity, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference in Jerusalem on Sunday, making bold statements regarding their shared enemies. The two leaders vowed to intensify actions against Hamas and Iran, promising severe consequences for both.
Rubio, on his first Middle East trip since taking office, declared that Hamas, which fought Israel for over 15 months in Gaza, must be eradicated. “Hamas cannot continue as a military or a government force… they must be eliminated,” Rubio stated, emphasizing the need to dismantle the group.
Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, underscoring the alliance’s unified strategy. He warned that the “gates of hell” would be unleashed if all hostages still held by Gaza militants were not released.
The remarks came after a significant prisoner swap, where Hamas freed three Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners, part of a ceasefire deal brokered with the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
Netanyahu’s statement mirrored remarks from former President Donald Trump, who had similarly threatened major repercussions if hostages weren’t released. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, adding tension to the fragile peace.
Additionally, Netanyahu addressed Trump’s controversial plan to reshape Gaza’s future, which included relocating Gaza’s population to Jordan or Egypt. Despite criticisms, Israel and the U.S. continue to support this vision for Gaza’s transformation, with Rubio stating that, for now, “the only plan is the Trump plan.”
However, the international community, including Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, supports a two-state solution, envisioning a Palestinian state alongside Israel, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi advocating for this as the only path to lasting peace.
As tensions remain high, Rubio is set to visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while Israel’s defense ministry confirmed the receipt of U.S. bombs that were previously delayed under the Biden administration.
The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is in its first phase, but concerns about a potential resumption of fighting remain, particularly in Gaza’s densely populated areas.
