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.”

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