US President Donald Trump has pressed the Islamic group Hamas to accept the 20-point ceasefire plan he announced last week.
Trump replied “Complete Obliteration!” when asked by CNN via text message on Saturday what would happen if Hamas insists on staying in power in the Gaza Strip.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned talks between Israel and Hamas when he spoke to ABC News on Sunday. He stressed that the US will place top priority on securing the release of hostages.
Rubio said, “We want to see the hostages moving as quickly as possible.” He expressed hope that a final decision will be made “very quickly, early this week.”
Rubio also showed Washington’s unyielding stance on disarming Hamas. He said, “If there is a threat emanating from Gaza, you’re not going to have peace here that’s sustainable.”
Hamas agreed on Friday to release all Israeli hostages. But Hamas has not clarified whether it will agree to two other demands in the proposal — namely, disarming itself and playing no role in governing Gaza.
Hamas is scheduled to hold indirect talks with Israel in the mediating country of Egypt on Monday. Arab media report that detailed discussions will take place about the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
AloJapan.com