The List and the Ultimatum: A Fragile Peace on the Brink
Rubio Confirms Hamas Accepts Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan: Hostage Release in Motion
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced over the weekend that Hamas has officially accepted former President Donald Trump’s proposed framework for a peace deal in Gaza, including the full release of the remaining Israeli hostages. The development marks a significant shift in a long-standing and volatile crisis, though key challenges still lie ahead.
Speaking with Gillian Turner on Fox News Sunday, Rubio shared details of the ongoing negotiations and emphasized the progress made since Trump issued an ultimatum to the terrorist group earlier in the week.
Trump’s Deadline and Hamas’ Response
“On Monday, President Trump gave Hamas a deadline of 6 p.m. to accept all 20 points of his plan. By Friday, they had only agreed to one. Isn’t that a delay tactic?” Turner asked.
Rubio disagreed with that characterization. “That’s not a fair description of what’s taken place,” he responded. “Hamas has now accepted the full structure of President Trump’s proposal regarding the hostages. That’s 48 individuals—20 alive, and tragically, 28 deceased.”
Rubio confirmed that detailed negotiations are ongoing, focusing on the logistics of the release. “We’re now working out the timing, the method of transfer, and the coordination with international teams who will oversee the process.”
What Comes After the Hostages?
While the release of hostages is the immediate focus, Rubio made it clear that the larger issue is what comes next for Gaza. “The much harder question is who will govern Gaza moving forward. It cannot be Hamas. No terrorist group should be in control of a civilian population,” he stated.
He emphasized that establishing lasting peace in the region hinges on removing Hamas from power. “Genuine peace requires that Gaza no longer be a stronghold for terrorist networks. That’s the long-term objective.”
A Difficult Trade-Off for Israel
Turner pointed out the difficult reality facing Israeli leadership: agreeing to a deal that may include the release of convicted terrorists in exchange for Israeli hostages. “That must be a bitter pill to swallow,” she said.
Rubio acknowledged the imbalance but highlighted the value placed on life. “Yes, these deals are rarely fair. They often include concessions that are hard to justify. But the return of a single citizen—dead or alive—is seen as a moral imperative. That’s how sacred life is to the people of Israel.”
Trump’s Role in the Breakthrough
Rubio credited Trump’s diplomatic approach and international outreach as key drivers of the current breakthrough. “Let’s be clear—none of this would be happening without President Trump’s initiative,” he said.
He detailed how Trump helped assemble a broad international coalition that included not just Western allies but also Arab and Muslim nations. “That level of alignment is rare in the Middle East. Trump created that momentum, and it forced Hamas to the table.”
Foreign Policy Consistency: Venezuela in the Spotlight
Rubio also addressed ongoing foreign policy efforts beyond the Middle East, notably the administration’s hard stance against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
With Venezuela holding municipal elections this past week—elections the U.S. and several international observers have denounced as illegitimate—Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s refusal to recognize Maduro’s presidency.
“One year after Maduro stole the presidency, the United States continues to stand with the Venezuelan people in their fight for democracy,” Rubio said in a statement. “Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela. His regime lacks the authority to govern and continues to operate as a threat to regional stability.”
Rubio also noted new military orders issued by Trump to target and destroy drug trafficking vessels originating from Venezuela. These vessels, believed to be tied to Maduro’s regime, are part of a growing concern over narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.
Looking Ahead
As the Thursday deadline for hostage release logistics approaches, the world will be watching closely to see whether Hamas follows through on its commitments. The broader questions about Gaza’s governance and regional security remain unresolved, but Rubio expressed cautious optimism.
“We’re on the verge of a breakthrough that could bring relief to many families and set the stage for something greater—a real chance at peace,” he said.
Whether the plan will hold, and whether Gaza can transition away from terrorist rule, remains uncertain. But for now, negotiations continue, and 48 families await what may be the first step toward closure after months of anguish.