Title: U.S. Officials Urge Ceasefire in Gaza for Hostage Release Talks
Washington: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for Israel to halt its airstrikes in Gaza to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas. Speaking on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Rubio stated, “Everyone knows that hostages can’t be released while the bombing continues. The attacks must stop.”
In a conversation with a CNN reporter, President Donald Trump confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports pausing the military operations in Gaza.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, with Netanyahu expressing hope that hostages could be freed soon.
Hamas Pushes for Quick Release of Prisoners
Discussions follow Hamas’s positive response to Trump’s proposal aimed at ending the conflict and exchanging hostages in Gaza for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Rubio, appearing on multiple Sunday talk shows, acknowledged the “logistical challenges” that need to be addressed for a successful hostage release. He also pointed out that the longer-term goals, such as figuring out how Gaza will be governed and disarming Hamas, will be even tougher to achieve.
“It’s not possible to set up a new government in Gaza that isn’t controlled by Hamas in just a few days. It will take time,” Rubio explained during his NBC interview.
President Trump later told CNN that clarity on Hamas’s commitment to peace should be expected “soon.” He warned that if Hamas refuses to step down, they would face “Complete Obliteration!”
