Mon Feb 17 06:57:15 UTC 2025: ## US and Israel Present United Front Against Hamas as Gaza Ceasefire’s Future Hangs in the Balance

**Jerusalem, February 17, 2025** – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a joint message of unwavering opposition to Hamas and Iran during a press conference in Jerusalem on Sunday. Rubio, on his first Middle East trip as Secretary of State, emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas as both a military and governmental force. Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, warning of dire consequences if all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are not released.

This strong stance comes as Israel’s security cabinet prepares to discuss the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, a fragile truce reached on January 19th after more than 15 months of conflict. While six hostage exchanges have already taken place under the ceasefire, tensions remain high. The recent release of three Israeli hostages for 369 Palestinian prisoners has done little to ease concerns.

Further complicating matters is U.S. President Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s two million residents to Jordan or Egypt. While Netanyahu expressed support for this plan, it has been widely condemned by Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, who instead advocate for the creation of a Palestinian state. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also voiced his support for a Palestinian state as the only path to lasting peace. This rejection complicates U.S. efforts to broker a historic deal recognizing Israel by Saudi Arabia.

The current 42-day ceasefire is precarious, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Concerns remain high that fighting could resume at any moment. A Hamas official and other sources suggest negotiations for a second phase of the truce may begin this week in Doha. Netanyahu has convened a security cabinet meeting to discuss the next steps. Meanwhile, 70 hostages remain in Gaza, including 35 the Israeli military considers dead. Secretary Rubio condemned the hostage-taking and called for the immediate release of all remaining captives.

Read More