Rubio: Ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages was nothing short of a miracle

MIAMI, United States (MNTV) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that “the ceasefire that went into effect with the release of hostages was nothing short of a miracle,” speaking at a news conference in Washington.

“Every day brings new challenges from all sides, but we are working through them,” he added.

Rubio indicated that negotiations toward the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire are showing signs of progress, while emphasizing that lasting peace will ultimately depend on the disarmament of Hamas.

His comments came as senior officials from Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye traveled to Miami for discussions with US envoys, including President Donald Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff. Rubio acknowledged the fragility of the ceasefire arrangement but characterized its continuation as a significant achievement under difficult circumstances.

Qatar and Egypt have served as key mediators throughout the ceasefire negotiations, while Türkiye has also participated in regional diplomacy surrounding the Gaza crisis.

The ongoing talks are aimed at advancing the agreement into its second phase, which would encompass an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the establishment of an interim governing authority to replace Hamas, and the deployment of an international stabilization force to maintain order.

Rubio issued a stark warning, however, that the entire process would collapse if Hamas retains its military capabilities going forward.

“If Hamas is ever in a position where it can threaten or attack Israel again, you’re not going to have peace,” he stated firmly.

“That’s why disarmament is so critical to any long-term solution.”

Hamas leaders have categorically rejected calls to lay down their weapons, insisting that armed resistance remains a legitimate right under international law.

Israel has repeatedly stated that any long-term arrangement must include the group’s complete disarmament as a non-negotiable condition.

Rubio also expressed cautious optimism that countries would contribute troops to a future international force in Gaza, revealing that several states acceptable to all parties have indicated willingness to participate in such a mission. He specifically cited Pakistan as one country considering a role despite not maintaining diplomatic recognition of Israel, and he welcomed Indonesia’s earlier offer to deploy peacekeepers to the region.

At the same time, Israel has voiced strong objections to Türkiye playing any role in such a stabilization force, citing Ankara’s sharp and sustained criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which Turkish officials have characterized as genocidal.

Violence has persisted despite the truce. Gaza’s civil defense authority reported that five people were killed in Israeli shelling of a shelter, bringing the death toll since the ceasefire began in October to approximately 400 Palestinians.

Israel, for its part, says three of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza during the same period.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called on the international community to apply “real and effective pressure” to stop ceasefire breaches by all parties, while Hamas officials insisted that talks should also focus on ending what they describe as ongoing Israeli violations and expanding humanitarian aid access to Gaza’s civilian population.

Under the terms of the current agreement, Hamas is to release the remaining 48 living and deceased captives held in Gaza, with all but one body already handed over to Israeli authorities.

A proposed third phase of the comprehensive deal envisions large-scale reconstruction efforts to rebuild Gaza’s devastated infrastructure and communities.