Marco Rubio Visits US-Led Center in Israel Managing Gaza Ceasefire
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited a U.S.-led center in Israel on Friday that is managing the Gaza ceasefire. This visit occurs as the Trump administration is working to establish an international security force to support the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.
Visit to the Coordination Center
Rubio’s tour is part of a series of high-profile visits by U.S. officials to the center, which is focused on civilian and military coordination efforts. Earlier this week, U.S. Vice President JD Vance was present to announce the center’s opening. Other notable attendees included U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law.
Currently, approximately 200 U.S. military personnel are collaborating with the Israeli military and international delegations at the center to plan for the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza. Flags from countries such as Cyprus, Greece, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada were observed during Rubio’s visit.
Strategic Goals for Gaza Stabilization
Rubio expressed optimism regarding the progress made in the early days of the ceasefire implementation. He announced the appointment of Steven Fagin, the U.S. ambassador to Yemen, to oversee the civilian coordination efforts at the center. The military command is led by Admiral Brad Cooper from U.S. Central Command.
The U.S. aims to garner support from other allies, particularly Gulf Arab nations, to create a strong international stabilization force in Gaza. Rubio mentioned that discussions are underway to obtain a United Nations mandate for the force, as several countries need such authorization before participation.
Support for Rebuilding Efforts
- Rubio emphasized the need for clarity regarding the rules of engagement for participating countries.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Rubio during this visit to ensure collaborative efforts towards the ceasefire.
The situation in Gaza remains dire for many families. Residents have returned to devastated homes, struggling to find basic shelter and necessities. Kamal Al-Yazji described his family’s desperate situation, forced to live in a makeshift tent amid the ruins of their former home.
Despite the challenges, Rubio stated that a coalition of up to a dozen groups, including the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations, will work together on aid efforts in Gaza. However, he clarified that the U.N. agency for aid in Gaza, known as UNRWA, would not be involved due to its perceived ties with Hamas.
Continued Humanitarian Challenges
The International Court of Justice has urged Israel to permit UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance, but Israel has blocked its supplies since March. Despite operational challenges, UNRWA continues to run health centers and various services in Gaza.
As the U.S. and its allies navigate these complex dynamics, the need for stability and reconstruction in Gaza is more urgent than ever. The coordination center represents a significant effort towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
