US Sees ‘Promising Signs’ of Possible Hamas Demilitarization in Gaza Talks
In an interview, Rubio said discussions involving regional mediators have shown some progress. “I know that our partners in Egypt and Türkiye have been involved in this process. There’s been some promising signs over the weekend that we’re getting closer to an agreement with regards to them demilitarizing,” he said.
He emphasized that any proposed framework depends on Hamas laying down its weapons. “But that has to happen. The entirety of this project only works if Hamas is demilitarized. Until that happens, all of it is in question,” Rubio added.
When asked whether the United States would support renewed Israeli military action if Hamas refuses to disarm, Rubio declined to offer a direct answer. “I will not speculate about what the president may or may not support down the road in a theoretical,” he said, adding, “Let’s hope we can avoid that. That’s not the outcome we want.”
He also outlined a preferred end state involving a Palestinian security force supported by international partners to maintain order in Gaza.
Hamas, however, rejected the framing of disarmament as a precondition. Spokesperson Hazem Qassem told a media outlet that focusing on weapons while ignoring earlier phases of a ceasefire agreement goes against the intent of Trump’s Gaza initiative and could further complicate negotiations on later stages.
His remarks followed recent talks in Cairo involving senior Hamas officials, Egyptian representatives, Gaza-focused international envoys, and US advisers, including discussions aimed at advancing the broader ceasefire framework.
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