US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that the Gaza war "has not yet ended" even as Israel and Hamas agreed to parts of President Trump’s plan, stressing that freeing hostages is the immediate priority [scmp.com#2]. He urged rapid, mediator-led technical talks to nail down logistics for releases, calling this the “most emergent and immediate phase” of the proposal [cbsnews.com#4]. Rubio also said a Palestinian state cannot be governed by Hamas, indicating Hamas must relinquish control of Gaza for that discussion to move forward [dailysignal.com#1].
Highlights:
- Hostages first: Rubio called the hostage release the “most emergent and immediate phase” of President Trump’s plan [cbsnews.com#4].
- War status: He emphasized the Gaza war is “not yet ended,” underscoring ongoing risks despite progress [scmp.com#2].
- Technical talks: Rubio said mediator-led technical talks must quickly resolve logistics for releases and cannot drag on [scmp.com#2][cbsnews.com#4].
- Governance stance: He stated the US cannot consider a Palestinian state governed by Hamas, signaling the group must end control in Gaza [dailysignal.com#1].
- Possible timing: Some hostages could be released this week if talks progress as expected, he suggested [pjmedia.com#3].
Let's discuss through the mediators the logistics and the mechanics behind how that happens, and that has to happen very quickly. That cannot drag on. – Marco Rubio
Perspectives:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Prioritizes immediate hostage releases through swift, mediator-facilitated technical talks and says the war is not over. (CBS News)
- Gazans: Residents called for quick implementation of the plan to end their suffering. (South China Morning Post)
Sources:
- ‘We Can’t Have a Palestinian State That’s Governed by Hamas’: Sec. Rubio States on Eve of Talks Between Israel and Hamas – dailysignal.com
- Rubio says Gaza war ‘not yet ended’ despite peace plan progress – scmp.com
- Rubio to MSM: Hostages Could Be Released This Week, But Peace Isn’t a Fairy Tale – pjmedia.com
- Rubio says release of hostages from Gaza is "most emergent and immediate phase" of Trump peace plan – cbsnews.com
