The war in Gaza has not yet ended despite partial acceptance of President Donald Trump’s peace plan by both Hamas and Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday. He stressed that the coming days would reveal whether Hamas was committed to peace, as technical negotiations on implementing the proposal begin.
Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press, Rubio said the seriousness of Hamas could be judged by its approach to logistical talks, especially regarding the release of hostages. Trump’s 20-point plan, announced Friday, includes ending hostilities, Israel’s withdrawal, and the release of hostages on both sides. While Hamas welcomed key parts of the plan, it left several issues unresolved, including the question of disarmament—an Israeli demand to end the war.
Israeli negotiators are set to arrive in Egypt Sunday night, with discussions on hostages expected to begin Monday, the eve of the war’s second anniversary. A Hamas delegation led by Khalil Al-Hayya will also join, alongside representatives from the U.S. and Qatar, in what observers call the most serious attempt yet to end the conflict.
Under the plan, all Israeli hostages—alive or deceased—would be released. Israel says 48 hostages remain, with 20 alive. Trump expressed optimism, saying Hamas’ acceptance showed readiness for a “lasting PEACE” and urged Israel to halt its airstrikes.
The conflict began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s military campaign since then has killed over 67,000 people in Gaza, according to local health authorities, drawing widespread condemnation and deepening Israel’s global isolation.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah voiced support for Hamas’ stance, saying it aligned with Palestinian factions in responding to Trump’s peace initiative.
