Marco Rubio said on Monday that there are “encouraging signs” that Hamas may move toward demilitarization, stressing that the success of Donald Trump’s plan for the Gaza Strip depends on this development.
Speaking to Fox News, Rubio noted that countries such as Egypt and Turkey are involved in consultations, adding that progress was made over the weekend.
“The entire project can only work if Hamas is demilitarized. Until that happens, everything remains uncertain,” he emphasized.
When asked whether Washington would support a resumption of military operations by Israel if Hamas refuses to disarm, Rubio avoided a direct answer, expressing hope that such a scenario could be avoided.
“The goal is for a Palestinian security force, with international support, to take over security in Gaza,” he added.
On the other side, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Anadolu Agency that insisting on disarmament while bypassing first-phase ceasefire commitments contradicts Trump’s plan and “complicates negotiations for the second phase.”
His remarks followed a meeting in Cairo, attended by Gaza Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, Egyptian officials, special envoy Nickolay Mladenov, and senior US adviser Aryeh Lightstone.
The first phase of Trump’s plan, announced last September, calls for a ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages, and the entry of humanitarian aid. Hamas claims it has met its obligations, while accusing Israel of failing to uphold humanitarian commitments and continuing attacks.
The second phase includes a broader Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction efforts, and the start of disarmament of armed groups.
Qassem described Israeli threats to resume fighting as a “pressure tool,” arguing that the war has not effectively stopped, with ongoing strikes, territorial control, and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reiterated proposals for full reoccupation of Gaza and the establishment of Israeli settlements.
