According to reports by Al Jazeera, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a warning that Hamas has only days to agree to a ceasefire deal in Gaza. The statement comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza City and diplomatic efforts involving Qatar continue.
Rubio made the remarks while departing from Tel Aviv en route to Doha, where he is seeking to secure Qatar’s continued role in mediating potential agreements. He stated that although there is still a possibility for a negotiated ceasefire one that would involve Hamas agreeing to demilitarization time is fast running out. He said, “We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks to go.”
Israel has renewed heavy bombardment of Gaza City in recent operations that officials say are focused on dismantling Hamas’s military capacity. Witness accounts report sustained airstrikes and increasing damage in densely populated areas, raising concerns about civilian safety and humanitarian access.
In Doha, Rubio is expected to meet with Qatari leadership, including Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to re-affirm U.S. support for Qatar’s sovereignty and stress the urgency of mediation. He expressed hope that Qatar will remain “constructive” in facilitating a ceasefire, despite recent tensions following Israeli strikes on Hamas leaders meeting in Doha.
Rubio described the preferred outcome as one in which Hamas agrees to lay down arms and cease posing a military threat. But he also expressed doubts, noting that with groups like Hamas, reaching a fully negotiated resolution may not always be possible.
