Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed over the weekend that President Donald Trump’s framework for peace in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages had been accepted by Hamas. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday” with guest host Gillian Turner, Rubio confirmed that Hamas agreed to the full terms of Trump’s 20-point plan, which involves the release of forty-eight hostages—twenty alive and twenty-eight deceased. He noted that discussions are ongoing to finalize logistics, including timing and coordination, and emphasized that the agreement is a crucial step toward stability in the region.
Rubio explained that the next challenge will be determining the governance of Gaza after the hostages are released. He stressed that creating a stable, peaceful environment is a long-term goal but highlighted that the immediate priority is ensuring the hostages’ safe return. He also addressed concerns about the fairness of potential agreements, noting that while they may involve difficult compromises, the importance of human life makes such steps necessary. Rubio credited Trump for bringing together an international coalition, including Arab and Islamic nations, to facilitate these negotiations.
Separately, Rubio criticized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, citing municipal elections held just before the anniversary of a disputed presidential race. He reaffirmed that the United States continues to support the restoration of democratic governance in Venezuela and highlighted actions taken to disrupt narcotics operations, emphasizing America’s commitment to justice and democracy in the region.