US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed strong confidence that a deal to end the Gaza war is imminent, citing an “in principle” agreement from Hamas as a major step forward. Speaking on Sunday, Rubio announced that the framework is “90 per cent done,” with only logistical details for a hostage release left to be finalized.
The deal, spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, presents a clear path to de-escalation. It proposes a full release of Israeli hostages in return for Israel pulling back its forces to the “yellow line,” their position as of mid-August. According to Rubio, Hamas has “basically” accepted this core proposal.
This development is being hailed as a potential turning point in the two-year conflict. President Trump has endorsed the plan as a “great deal for Israel,” suggesting it meets key security objectives for the nation. The alleged support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further solidifies the potential for a successful implementation.
Beyond the hostage exchange, the agreement contains the seeds of a longer-term political solution. Rubio noted that Hamas has agreed in “generalities” to discuss the future of Gaza post-conflict. This opens the door for crucial conversations about governance and reconstruction, aimed at creating a more stable future.
The pressure on Hamas to adhere to the agreement is immense. Rubio mentioned that their seriousness will be tested “very quickly” in technical talks. This is compounded by President Trump’s stark warning that failure to cooperate and cede power will lead to the group’s “complete obliteration.”