Rubio Says Gaza Peace Unlikely While Hamas Governs, Supports US-Backed Local Oversight

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that peace in Gaza requires governance by a group not interested in destroying Israel, rejecting the Palestinian Authority due to its past failings and Hamas because of its terrorist activities. Rubio and President Donald Trump are supporting a plan involving an international consortium to oversee Gaza, aiming to establish a Palestinian technocratic group free of terrorists to govern the territory. Negotiations with Hamas and various countries are ongoing, focusing on releasing hostages and ending the Gaza conflict, with technical teams meeting in Egypt to finalize details. Rubio indicated that while Hamas has agreed in principle to the initial phase of the plan, the subsequent disarmament and demobilization will be challenging. President Trump has urged swift progress, warning of massive bloodshed if delays occur. The US administration remains cautiously optimistic but stressed that the seriousness of Hamas will be evident from upcoming technical talks and their compliance with the plan.