US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shared that a considerable number of countries have expressed willingness to participate in an international security force for Gaza. This force is a critical element of President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the region. Rubio stated that Israel would need to be comfortable with the participating nations.
During a visit to Israel, Rubio indicated that discussions regarding the formation of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) are actively ongoing, with an aim for its swift deployment. However, the practicalities of implementing such a force without a mutual understanding with Hamas remain unclear.
Rubio characterized the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire as a significant step forward, acknowledging that the path ahead might involve challenges. He emphasized the plan’s importance, stating, “There is no plan B… It’s the only plan. And it’s one that we think can succeed.”
He reiterated the goal of creating conditions where Gaza is free from threats to Israel and its own population, referencing the October 7th attacks. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel, resulted in significant loss of life and hostage-taking. The subsequent Israeli military actions have led to a high number of Palestinian casualties.
Rubio stressed that Hamas must be disarmed as part of the peace agreement, warning that non-compliance would constitute a violation. He firmly stated that Hamas should not be involved in the future governance of Gaza.
The US Secretary of State’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements by American officials, underscoring Washington’s commitment to the success of the peace plan. Reports suggest potential US frustration with the Israeli government’s actions, which could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire and the broader peace initiative. Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that the US-Israel relationship is a partnership, not a unilateral decision-making process.
Rubio expressed optimism about the ceasefire holding, while also acknowledging the complexities of ongoing negotiations concerning Israeli withdrawal, future Gaza governance, and Hamas disarmament. He mentioned the considerable international interest in the ISF, noting that Israel’s comfort level with participating nations would be a key factor. This statement hints at potential diplomatic complexities, possibly involving Turkey’s role in the negotiations.
The exact mandate of the ISF is still being defined, with concerns raised about potential confrontations with Hamas if no agreement is reached regarding the force’s deployment. Rubio concluded by acknowledging the difficulties ahead, stating, “There are going to be bumps along the road, but we have to make it work.”