US Secretary of State Rubio Tours Israel's US-Led Center Overseeing Gaza Ceasefire
Rubio visits center coordinating ceasefire and international security force in Gaza.
KIRYAT GAT, Israel: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday toured a US-led coordination center in Israel overseeing the Gaza ceasefire.
The Trump administration is working to establish an international security force in the territory and reinforce the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio is the latest in a series of high-ranking US officials to visit the center for civilian and military coordination.
Earlier this week, US Vice President JD Vance announced its opening, and other notable figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have also visited Israel.
Approximately 200 US troops are collaborating with the Israeli military and delegations from various countries at the center, which focuses on stabilizing and reconstructing Gaza.
On Friday, an Associated Press reporter observed international personnel present, representing nations like Cyprus, Greece, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
Rubio expressed optimism about the progress in implementing the ceasefire over the past few days despite facing challenges.
He appointed US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin to lead the civilian aspect of the coordination center in southern Israel, with Adm. Brad Cooper from the US Central Command as its top military official.
The United States is seeking support from Gulf Arab nations and other allies to create an international stabilization force for deployment to Gaza and training a Palestinian force.
Rubio noted that several countries have expressed interest in participating but require international authorization, such as through a UN mandate, to do so.
He emphasized the need to clearly define roles of engagement and responsibilities within the force.
Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
Israeli media has referred to the visits from American officials as 'Bibi-sitting,' alluding to a campaign ad where Netanyahu positioned himself as a trusted caregiver.
In Gaza City, Palestinians are struggling to rebuild their lives amidst the rubble left behind after the recent conflict.
Families are seeking shelter and patching together materials for basic needs like cooking and sleeping.
Kamal Al-Yazji, who lost his three-story home and now resides in a makeshift tent, expressed sorrow but acknowledged his limited options.
Umm Muhammad Al-Araishi searched for her neighborhood's familiar landmark, the Rantisi hospital, only to find it heavily damaged by Israel’s forces.
The lack of recognizable features left her disoriented about her old residence.
Rubio stated that a conglomerate of up to a dozen organizations, including the United Nations and humanitarian groups, would be involved in aid efforts in Gaza.
However, he clarified that UNRWA, the UN agency traditionally operating in Gaza, is not included due to criticisms regarding its alleged affiliation with Hamas.
Earlier this week, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to allow UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance.
Since March, Israel has blocked UNRWA from entering supplies into Gaza, although the organization remains active on the ground by running health centers, sanitation services, and educational programs for children, claiming they have 6,000 trucks of supplies ready for entry.
The Trump administration is working to establish an international security force in the territory and reinforce the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio is the latest in a series of high-ranking US officials to visit the center for civilian and military coordination.
Earlier this week, US Vice President JD Vance announced its opening, and other notable figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have also visited Israel.
Approximately 200 US troops are collaborating with the Israeli military and delegations from various countries at the center, which focuses on stabilizing and reconstructing Gaza.
On Friday, an Associated Press reporter observed international personnel present, representing nations like Cyprus, Greece, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
Rubio expressed optimism about the progress in implementing the ceasefire over the past few days despite facing challenges.
He appointed US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin to lead the civilian aspect of the coordination center in southern Israel, with Adm. Brad Cooper from the US Central Command as its top military official.
The United States is seeking support from Gulf Arab nations and other allies to create an international stabilization force for deployment to Gaza and training a Palestinian force.
Rubio noted that several countries have expressed interest in participating but require international authorization, such as through a UN mandate, to do so.
He emphasized the need to clearly define roles of engagement and responsibilities within the force.
Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
Israeli media has referred to the visits from American officials as 'Bibi-sitting,' alluding to a campaign ad where Netanyahu positioned himself as a trusted caregiver.
In Gaza City, Palestinians are struggling to rebuild their lives amidst the rubble left behind after the recent conflict.
Families are seeking shelter and patching together materials for basic needs like cooking and sleeping.
Kamal Al-Yazji, who lost his three-story home and now resides in a makeshift tent, expressed sorrow but acknowledged his limited options.
Umm Muhammad Al-Araishi searched for her neighborhood's familiar landmark, the Rantisi hospital, only to find it heavily damaged by Israel’s forces.
The lack of recognizable features left her disoriented about her old residence.
Rubio stated that a conglomerate of up to a dozen organizations, including the United Nations and humanitarian groups, would be involved in aid efforts in Gaza.
However, he clarified that UNRWA, the UN agency traditionally operating in Gaza, is not included due to criticisms regarding its alleged affiliation with Hamas.
Earlier this week, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to allow UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance.
Since March, Israel has blocked UNRWA from entering supplies into Gaza, although the organization remains active on the ground by running health centers, sanitation services, and educational programs for children, claiming they have 6,000 trucks of supplies ready for entry.
