Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to be at the gates of hell if Hamas did not release all hostages, emphasizing a joint strategy against the Palestinian radical group.
Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday, February 16, and while their strategic details cannot be fully disclosed to the public, Israel will decisively if the hostages are not released Take decisive action.
“We will eliminate Hamas’ military capabilities and its political rule in Gaza,” the statement said. “We will take all hostages home and we will ensure that Gaza will never pose a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu stressed strong support from the United States, which he said will help Israel achieve its goals faster. He also mentioned discussions with Rubio about U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for the future of Gaza.
Trump recently proposed that the United States control Gaza and transform it into a luxurious destination, the “Riviera of the Middle East”, while moving two million Palestinian residents in the territory to other countries including Egypt and Jordan . The proposal has sparked widespread global criticism.
Rubio acknowledged the controversy surrounding Trump’s plan, but defending it was a bold and visionary approach. He stressed that the ongoing cycle of the Gaza conflict could not continue and reiterated the need to phase out Hamas as a military and political force.
“Trump’s priority is that the hostages held in Gaza need to go home since October 7, 2023,” Rubio said.
