U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit the Western Wall, the holiest site of Jewish prayer, in the Old City of Jerusalem, on September 14, 2025. REUTERS
Marco Rubio said this during a briefing on Israel, according to a Suspilne correspondent Suspilne
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a visit to Israel expressed the view that residents of the Gaza Strip will not have a promising future without the elimination of Hamas. He also noted that Hamas must lay down its weapons and surrender today.
“Hamas can no longer continue to exist as an armed element that threatens peace and security not only of Israel but of the entire world, and that the people of Gaza deserve a better future that cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated, and until all prisoners, both living and dead, are brought home”
Rubio also noted that diplomatic talks on a ceasefire and the release of hostages would be a desirable scenario, however Hamas is considered a terrorist organization in the United States, which complicates the possibility of reaching a peaceful resolution.
“This is an ideal outcome, but ultimately it may require a military operation to eliminate them. We must remember whom we are dealing with, namely a group of people who have devoted their lives to violence and barbarism”
Context of the conflict and the positions of the sides
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the army warns Gaza residents about upcoming strikes and urges them to leave dangerous areas. He also asserts that Hamas is forcing people to stay in high-risk zones, which causes the civilian population of Gaza to come under fire from Israeli forces. According to him, the military actions are aimed precisely at targets where, in Israel’s view, the Hamas structure is located.
Israeli forces have repeatedly carried out strikes on Gaza’s infrastructure, including facilities housing children. Damaged facilities included hospitals and temporary medical posts, residential buildings, schools, and the water-supply system, underscoring the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
On September 12, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the New York Declaration, which calls for the creation of two states as the basis for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. Israel expressed critical positions regarding this document, while the United States also did not support the resolution, emphasizing the importance of the safety of Israeli citizens and countering Hamas.
On August 10, Israel launched a large-scale offensive operation in the Gaza Strip with the aim of restoring control over the city of Gaza. Earlier, the government and army stated that the goal was not to occupy the region, but to free the hostages following the events of October 7, 2023. As of early September, Israel controlled a substantial portion of the city, while Palestinians were evacuating residents in connection with rocket and artillery actions.
The Gaza Strip is located on a narrow stretch near the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. To the south it borders Egypt, and on the other sides – Israel.
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