United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed his country's position that Hamas can never "govern Gaza or threaten Israel again" in a phone call with his Egyptian colleague Badr Abdelatty.
Rubio also "thanked the Foreign Minister for Egypt's mediation efforts in securing the release of hostages, for sustaining humanitarian assistance deliveries throughout Gaza, and accepting medical evacuations," according to a readout from the State Department. Additionally, the two officials discussed the situation in Syria, emphasizing the importance of ensuring it poses no "threat" to its neighbors.
Earlier on Monday, US President Donald Trump warned of "all hell" breaking out unless Hamas released Israeli hostages by Saturday noon. Trump also rejected the idea of Hamas ruling over the enclave and once again argued in favor of resettling its entire population.
