Marco Rubio: "Gaza Diplomatic Deal Probably Impossible"

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cast doubt on the possibility of a diplomatic solution to the Gaza war during a visit to Israel on Monday, warning that Hamas is unlikely to agree to surrender or release hostages and signaling that a military operation may ultimately be required.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after several hours of talks, Rubio said the United States still supports efforts toward a negotiated settlement, but stressed that Hamas remains a terrorist group committed to Israel’s destruction. “Savage terrorists don’t normally agree to things like that,” Rubio said, adding that the U.S. must be prepared for other outcomes.

His comments echoed Netanyahu’s own message that Israel “must make sure Hamas is eliminated.” The prime minister said he would prefer a Hamas surrender to continued fighting, but made no mention of ongoing talks.

The visit comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Washington. President Trump has suggested that a ceasefire deal could be reached “very soon,” but Israel is preparing a major offensive in Gaza City. Israeli officials say more than 300,000 Palestinians have already fled the area under evacuation orders, with aid agencies warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Both leaders also pushed back against renewed international calls for recognition of a Palestinian state, a move supported in recent weeks by Britain, France, Canada, Belgium, and Australia. Rubio dismissed the idea as “symbolic” and argued it would embolden Hamas, while Netanyahu reiterated his opposition, declaring last week that “there will be no Palestinian state.”

Rubio’s trip also comes in the shadow of Israel’s recent strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, an attack that angered Washington and raised concerns about peace talks mediated by Qatar. While Hamas said its leaders survived, Netanyahu insisted the strike sent a clear message: “You can run, but you can’t hide, and we’ll get you.”

Despite strains with Washington, Netanyahu emphasized the strength of U.S.-Israel ties. “It’s obvious that Israel has no better ally than America,” he said. Rubio echoed that sentiment, even as he cautioned that diplomacy may not be enough to bring the Gaza war to an end.

Ahead of his flight to Qatar, Rubio cautioned, "The window of opportunity for a ceasefire agreement is closing, maybe only days remain." (Open Source Intel)

Mneahwile, Palestinian sources told the Qatar-funded newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi that no new negotiations have yet been held with Hamas to resume talks. However, they said the situation could change quickly and indicated the group is open to considering proposals to end the war in Gaza, “but in a different way than before,” without clarifying what that would mean.