Rubio Warns No Peace Possible Until Gaza Terror Threat Ends

Appearing on ABC’s This Week Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a clear and sobering message about the Trump administration’s latest push for Middle East peace: there will be no peace as long as Gaza remains a terror launchpad.

Rubio, who has taken a leading role in coordinating the administration’s diplomatic strategy alongside President Trump, laid out a two-phase framework aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas but only under strict conditions that protect Israel’s security and hold terrorists accountable.

“Priority number one is to get the hostages released,” Rubio said, referring to the 48 hostages still held by Hamas, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. “You ain’t gonna have long-term peace here” without that step, he added bluntly.

Phase One of the plan requires the full release of hostages in exchange for a temporary Israeli pullback to what’s being called the “yellow line” a line that reflects Israeli military positions as of August 2024. This move is non-negotiable, Rubio emphasized, calling it the “closest we’ve come” to securing a total hostage release since the conflict reignited.

Phase Two focuses on building a new governing structure for Gaza one led by technocrats without ties to Hamas or any terrorist entity. That’s a tall order, but Rubio argued it’s the only way forward if the world truly wants stability in the region.

“We can’t have a Palestinian state that’s governed by Hamas,” Rubio said. “Forget about statehood” if terror groups are still calling the shots.

The Trump administration isn’t entertaining fantasies of instantly handing statehood to Gaza. Rubio made it clear: statehood is not a right it must be earned through competent governance, demilitarization, and a clear break from jihadist ideology.

Key points Rubio emphasized:

• No permanent peace without demobilization of terror networks in Gaza.

• Hamas has no future in the governance of any Palestinian entity.

• Hostage release is a non-negotiable first step before anything else proceeds.

• Trump wants the deal executed fast, not bogged down in endless negotiations.

• Israel will pause military operations temporarily but only to allow hostage exchanges. If Hamas stalls, all bets are off.

When asked directly if the administration supports a Palestinian state, Rubio rejected the usual political tap dance.

“That’s not a yes or no question; that’s a process,” he said. “It depends on credible governance and a secure environment. Without those? No deal.”

Rubio also highlighted the ongoing threat Hamas poses, warning that so long as tunnels, rockets, and suicide missions are being planned from Gaza, Israel will and must continue to defend itself.

“As long as there’s a threat emanating from Gaza against Israel’s security,” Rubio said, “there isn’t going to be peace.”

It’s a far cry from the failed Obama-Biden-era appeasement strategies, which handed pallets of cash to Iran and begged terrorists to behave. Trump’s approach clear conditions, fast timelines, and zero tolerance for terror is rooted in common sense and hard-won lessons from decades of Middle East chaos.

Rubio summed it up plainly. “We are in a much better place today than we were seven days ago.”

If Hamas plays games, the message from the Trump White House is clear: this window won’t stay open long.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on if you believe peace starts with strength not surrender.