Sun Feb 16 14:13:44 UTC 2025: ## US Backs Israel’s “Eradication” of Hamas, Jeopardizing Gaza Ceasefire

**Jerusalem, February 16, 2025** – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s unwavering endorsement of Israel’s aim to “eradicate” Hamas has cast a shadow over the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Rubio fully supported Netanyahu’s hardline stance, echoing President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza and redevelop the territory under U.S. control.

Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s plan, stating that they share a “common strategy” for Gaza’s future and threatening dire consequences if Hamas fails to release remaining hostages. Rubio’s declaration that Hamas cannot exist as a military or governing force further escalated tensions, jeopardizing ongoing negotiations for a lasting peace.

This forceful rhetoric comes just two weeks before the first phase of the ceasefire expires. The second phase, involving hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and Israeli troop withdrawal, remains unnegotiated. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, killing three Hamas policemen, have been condemned by Hamas as a ceasefire violation.

Netanyahu’s willingness to resume hostilities after the current ceasefire phase, coupled with his refusal to approve the necessary entry of aid materials into Gaza, further threatens the peace process. While an Israeli official indicated that these issues would be addressed, the situation remains volatile. The delivery of U.S. munitions to Israel also signals a strengthening alliance between the two nations.

Rubio’s tour, which excludes meetings with Palestinians, will continue to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, key players in any regional resolution. However, both nations oppose the mass expulsion of Palestinians, a core element of Trump’s plan. Egypt, meanwhile, is preparing an Arab summit to propose an alternative plan for Gaza’s reconstruction without population displacement. Human rights groups have condemned the expulsion proposal as a potential violation of international law.

The conflicting approaches highlight the deep divisions surrounding the future of Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The lack of Palestinian involvement in Rubio’s regional tour underscores the growing chasm between the U.S. and Arab nations on the issue, further complicating efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

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