Rubio says Hamas must be eradicated amid fragile Gaza truce
What's the story
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has supported Israel's war aims in the Gaza Strip, saying Hamas "must be eradicated."
He made the statement while meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
The meeting begins a regional tour which is expected to be met with resistance from Arab leaders over President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop it under US control.
Shared strategy
Netanyahu supports Trump's Gaza proposal
Netanyahu has voiced his support for Trump's plan, saying they share a common strategy for the future of Gaza.
He warned that "the gates of hell would be open" if Hamas didn't release hostages taken during its October 7, 2023 attack.
The first phase of the current ceasefire is nearing its end with negotiations for a second phase yet to take place.
This phase includes Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting truce, and Israeli withdrawal.
Ceasefire complications
Rubio's remarks could complicate ongoing talks with Hamas
Rubio stressed that Hamas "cannot continue as a military or government force," saying peace is impossible as long as it remains a threat.
His remarks could complicate ongoing talks with Hamas, which continues to govern Gaza despite suffering heavy losses in the war.
The Israeli military said an airstrike on Sunday targeted people near its forces in southern Gaza.
Meanwhile, according to the Hamas-run Interior Ministry, three policemen were killed securing aid trucks near Rafah on the Egyptian border.
Military readiness
Netanyahu signals readiness to resume military action
However, resuming hostilities could put remaining hostages in danger and may not bring success in wiping out Hamas.
Netanyahu has expressed readiness to resume military action if needed and has offered Hamas leaders exile, which they have rejected.
He has yet to approve the entry of mobile homes and machinery into Gaza as per the ceasefire terms.
This issue had earlier threatened hostage releases but was temporarily resolved through assurances from Arab mediators.
Munitions resumption
US resumes shipments of MK-84 munitions
The US also recently resumed MK-84 munitions shipments after pausing over civilian casualties.
Rubio suggested Arab countries propose alternative plans or fight Hamas militarily, stressing that American troops wouldn't be involved.
Arab leaders have few options as past proposals have been rejected by Israel, which opposes any Palestinian governance role in Gaza.
Egypt plans an Arab summit on February 27 to discuss rebuilding Gaza without displacing its population.
Tour exclusion
Rubio's regional visit excludes Egypt and Jordan
Rubio's regional visit covers the UAE and Saudi Arabia but not Egypt and Jordan, which have refused to take in Palestinian refugees.
The Biden administration had worked on plans for Palestinian governance but was thwarted by Israel's opposition to a Palestinian state/authority role in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and UAE are key to any response plan but remain against mass displacement of Palestinians.