24.10.2025 18:02
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the countries participating in the planned international task force in Gaza will be subject to Israel's approval. Rubio said, "If Israel does not want it, Turkey cannot join this force."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made striking statements regarding the international task force planned to be established in Gaza during his visit to Israel. Rubio stated that the countries participating in this force would be subject to Israel's approval, saying, "If Israel does not want it, Turkey cannot join this force."
"INTERNATIONAL FORCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR PERMANENT PEACE IN GAZA"
After his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio visited the military-civil coordination center in the south of the country and made statements to the press. The U.S. Secretary confirmed that humanitarian aid to Gaza has resumed, stating, "The long-term goal is the reconstruction of the region and ensuring stability."
Rubio emphasized that the prerequisite for permanent peace in Gaza is the rapid deployment of an international stabilization force. He stated that this force should be authorized by the United Nations, saying, "There is no official formation yet, but many countries want to participate. However, Israel must approve which countries will be part of this force. If Israel does not want it, Turkey's participation in this force will not be possible."
WARNING TO HAMAS ON DISARMAMENT
Rubio reiterated that the complete disarmament of Hamas is a fundamental condition of the Gaza agreement. "If Hamas refuses to disarm, it is a violation of this agreement. If they rearm, war will return," he said. Stating that the U.S. is uncompromising on this issue, Rubio added, "There is no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza. America will not allow Gaza to become a source of threat."
WARNING TO ISRAEL ON WEST BANK
Rubio also addressed the Israeli Parliament's (Knesset) vote on the annexation of the West Bank. He argued that this step aims to put Prime Minister Netanyahu in a difficult position, stating, "I do not think Israel will annex the West Bank. Such a move would jeopardize the Gaza agreement."
Emphasizing that Washington is determined to implement all phases of the Gaza plan, the U.S. Secretary noted that the internal political struggles in Israel have slowed down the process.
"UNRWA HAS TURNED INTO A EXTENSION OF HAMAS"
While evaluating the role of the United Nations in coordinating aid to Gaza, Rubio directed harsh criticism at the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). "UNRWA has now turned into an extension of Hamas. A new mechanism is needed for the transparent execution of aid," he said.
Describing the recent developments in Gaza as "historic," Rubio reiterated the U.S. commitment to implementing all provisions of the Gaza agreement and stated, "The Trump administration's plan is based on a long-term vision for peace."