by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that the proposed international stabilization force for Gaza will only include countries acceptable to Israel, as the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan enters its next phase.
Speaking at a press conference in Kiryat Gat, Rubio described the mission as “historic” and emphasized that Hamas will not be allowed any role in governing Gaza under the U.S.-brokered framework. “Everyone who signed onto this plan agreed–Hamas cannot govern and cannot be involved in the future of Gaza,” Rubio said. “There is no Plan B. This is the only plan, and we will not stop pushing until all commitments are met.”
Rubio said the U.S. is “very committed to Israel’s security,” adding that countries joining the stabilization force must be “ones Israel is comfortable with.” The force, to be deployed after Hamas’ complete disarmament, will include Arab, European, and U.S. personnel and serve as the “long-term internal security solution” for Gaza, according to the Trump plan.
At the U.S.-Israel Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, which oversees ceasefire implementation, Rubio noted the growing presence of U.S. and partner personnel. The center was opened earlier in the week by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, with participation from the U.K., Germany, Denmark, Canada, and Jordan.
Rubio said the U.S. remains “optimistic” about progress but acknowledged challenges ahead. “It’s not going to be a linear journey–there will be ups and downs and twists and turns,” he said. “But I think we have good reason for healthy optimism.”
He also confirmed that UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, will not participate in Gaza operations, calling it a “subsidiary of Hamas.”
During meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio said the two discussed both security challenges and opportunities arising from the peace plan. Netanyahu welcomed the U.S. partnership, saying, “We want to advance peace; we still have security challenges, but I think that we can work together, and by working together, both address the challenges and seize the opportunities.”
Rubio also warned that Israel’s potential annexation of the West Bank would be “counterproductive” to peace efforts. Referring to a recent Knesset vote on sovereignty measures, he said, “They’re a democracy, people are going to have their votes, but at this time we think it might threaten the peace deal.”
The Trump plan, announced in late September, began with an October 10 ceasefire and will move next toward the formation of the stabilization force. Israel has accused Hamas of violating the agreement by delaying the return of hostage remains and attacking civilians, while Hamas claims Israel has backed armed factions in Gaza.
Despite these tensions, Rubio said the U.S. remains committed to ensuring the agreement holds: “We’ve already done the impossible once, and we intend to keep doing that if we can.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
A new report from Barna Group reveals a striking shift in America’s spiritual climate, with nearly three in ten U.S. adults believing a spiritual revival could emerge within the next year. The research, conducted in partnership with Gloo as part of the 2026 State of the Church initiative, points to a growing openness to faith—especially among younger generations.
Israel announced Wednesday that it has completed a major phase of its military campaign against Iran, declaring that nearly all predesignated “vital and strategic” targets have been successfully struck under Operation Roaring Lion.
President Donald Trump has discussed with senior advisers the possibility of withdrawing the United States from NATO if European allies fail to assist in reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials, signaling mounting strain within the decades-old alliance.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared Tuesday night that U.S. military operations in Iran are approaching their final phase, signaling that the conflict could soon come to a close after weeks of intense engagement.
A sword-wielding man from the U.S. state of Massachusetts has been arrested for allegedly making threats to kill President Donald J. Trump and “hang him” from the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Four astronauts are on their way to the Moon after the U.S. space agency NASA launched the Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed lunar flight in more than five decades.
The United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist the United States and allied nations in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force, marking a significant strategic shift that could make it the first Persian Gulf state to formally enter the conflict against Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.