U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agreeing on the necessity to eliminate Hamas for achieving peace. After 500 days since the October 7 attacks, three hostages were released. Leaders also expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Negotiations for further hostages’ release continue, facing challenges amid conflicting objectives.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coinciding with the poignant remembrance of 500 days since the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Following the meeting, both leaders expounded their shared view that Hamas must be obliterated, emphasizing that its continued existence impedes any possibilities for lasting peace in the region.
Rubio articulated, “Hamas cannot continue as a military or government force. And frankly, as long as it stands as a force that can govern or as a force that can administer, or as a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible. They must be eliminated. It must be eradicated.” Netanyahu also echoed this sentiment, voicing support for a plan that would enable Gazans to leave the area, which he described as the “largest open-air prison in the world,” a statement he attributes to Hamas’s actions preventing Palestinians from leaving.
Netanyahu recounted his administration’s attempts to secure the safe evacuation of civilians from Gaza during ongoing military operations, noting the constant threats from Hamas. He claimed that views of Gaza being a prison arose not from Israel’s actions but from Hamas actively firing on those attempting to flee. Amidst the devastation in Gaza, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, remarked on the dire conditions, claiming the area was in total ruin with unexploded ordnance posing additional hazards to any inhabitants.
Both leaders were united in their stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Netanyahu declared, “Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran,” affirming that the construction of a nuclear arsenal by Iran would lead to a destabilizing arms race throughout the Middle East. Rubio reinforced this, indicating that Iran’s regime was behind the instability affecting the region, while its citizens were victims of their government.
During this period, Hamas surprisingly released three hostages: an American-Israeli, a Russian-Israeli, and an Argentinian-Israeli. However, the release process was criticized due to the dehumanizing treatment each hostage endured prior to their return to freedom. They were subjected to mockery upon their release but ultimately reunited with their families who had endured nearly 500 days of uncertainty.
President Trump acknowledged the hostages’ return, noting their relatively good health in comparison to previous releases. He has maintained that while he remains engaged, the ultimate decision-making regarding the next steps would rest with Israel. Netanyahu shared that cooperation with the Trump administration remains strong, particularly in efforts to secure the remaining hostages’ release.
The families of the released hostages have expressed their gratitude towards the U.S. administration for their commitment to facilitating the return of their loved ones. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a father of one released hostage, indicated confidence in the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration, despite recognizing the imperfections of the current agreement.
Negotiations for a second phase of ceasefire are in progress, with hopes for the complete release of hostages while Israel seeks the toppling of Hamas as a governing body. However, both parties’ conflicting aims pose challenges to achieving a resolution. The 500th day since the October 7 attacks has become a poignant reminder for many in Israel, accompanied by a collective hope for the safe return of all hostages.
The recent discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored their mutual commitment to eradicating Hamas as a governing body in Gaza. The situation surrounding the hostages remains critical, with families anxious for the return of their loved ones after 500 days since the October 7 attacks. The ongoing negotiations reflect the complexity of the conflict, as Israel and Hamas maintain opposing objectives, posing further challenges to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: cbn.com
