US Optimistic About Gaza Ceasefire Agreement, Says Secretary of State
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the potential for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza during a press conference on Thursday.
Rubio, speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian nations summit, stated, “We are hopeful. I would say we ultimately hope they move towards direct negotiations.” However, he cautioned that previous negotiations at this stage have failed.
He added, “I believe we are nearing our goal, and we may be closer than we have been in a long time. We remain optimistic, but we also recognize that challenges persist.”
Specifically, he pointed out Hamas’s refusal to disarm, a step that could resolve the conflict immediately, while noting that Israel has shown a degree of flexibility.
On Thursday, Hamas announced its opposition to a truce that would allow for the continued presence of Israeli forces in Gaza, despite agreeing to release ten hostages held in the region. Civil defense officials reported that airstrikes on the same day resulted in numerous fatalities.
After 21 months of conflict, difficult negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, have been ongoing for the fifth consecutive day in Doha.