Rubio: Israel-Hamas Talks Progress as Hostages' Release Imminent
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revealed that ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas are not yet the end of the conflict. Despite this, there are signs of progress, with Hamas expressing willingness to release all hostages and sending a team to Cairo for further talks. The U.S., represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will attend these negotiations. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continued into Sunday, despite President Trump's calls for a ceasefire.
Rubio emphasized that setting up a transitional government for Gaza would take time, but a plan is in place. This involves a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian commission led by a reformed Palestinian Authority, overseen by an international body managing Gaza temporarily. This comes as part of the U.S. plan proposed by Donald Trump, with Israel's agreement, though no final leader has been named yet. Once Hamas is disarmed and Gaza demilitarized, this transitional government would administer the region.
Hamas, currently governing Gaza, would have no role in future governance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to announce the return of the hostages during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The peace plan stipulates that Gaza would be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee. These negotiations in Egypt come after Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that the total death toll in the enclave surpassed 67,000. However, Netanyahu stated that a deal is 'not final yet'.
While negotiations continue and the situation in Gaza remains tense, there are indications of progress towards a resolution. The U.S. and Israel are working together on a plan for Gaza's future governance, with the aim of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the region. The fate of the hostages and the ultimate outcome of the conflict remain uncertain, but both sides are engaged in talks to bring an end to the violence.
