US Secretary of State Rubio heads to Israel to bolster Gaza ceasefire

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Thursday as part of intensified American efforts to maintain the fragile Gaza ceasefire. The State Department announced the visit would focus on supporting the implementation of President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the conflict, while reaffirming Washington's "unwavering commitment to Israel's security."

Consolidating the Truce

Rubio's diplomatic mission aims to build on what the State Department described as "historic momentum towards durable peace and integration in the Middle East." The visit continues a pattern of high-level US engagement, following recent meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President JD Vance, alongside the establishment of a US-run civil-military coordination center to monitor the October 10 ceasefire.

Ceasefire Agreement Details

The current truce implements the first phase of a 20-point agreement between Israel and Hamas, based on a US-presented framework. This initial phase includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and outlines future steps for Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a new governing structure that excludes Hamas. The agreement comes after prolonged conflict that Gaza health authorities say has resulted in over 68,200 fatalities since October 2023.

Broader Regional Diplomacy

Following his engagements in Israel, Secretary Rubio will continue to Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea from October 26-30. There he will participate in ASEAN and APEC meetings, with the State Department noting the trips are intended to "advance peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," connecting Middle Eastern stability with broader US foreign policy objectives.