Netanyahu and Rubio Confer on Hostage Situation and Gaza Military Actions

Synopsis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the release of hostages held by Hamas and Israel's renewed military operations in Gaza. The conversation highlighted ongoing regional developments and US support for Israel's policies amid escalating violence.

Key Takeaways

Netanyahu and Rubio discuss hostage release efforts.
New military actions commenced in Gaza.
At least 673 casualties reported in recent assaults.
Hamas accused Israel of violating ceasefire.
Evaluation of new mediation proposals ongoing.

Jerusalem, March 24 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a phone conversation addressing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and Israel's renewed military operations in Gaza.

According to a statement from Netanyahu's office on Sunday, "The two discussed regional developments, including the release of Israeli hostages and the resumption of fighting in Gaza." Rubio reaffirmed US unwavering support for Israel and its policies.

Israel has initiated new air and ground attacks in Gaza since Tuesday, effectively terminating a two-month ceasefire, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The assaults have resulted in at least 673 fatalities and injured 1,233 individuals, according to health authorities in Gaza.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement that was established in January.

Meanwhile, Taher al-Nunu, a spokesperson for Hamas, stated on Friday that the group is evaluating new proposals from mediators aimed at reinstating the ceasefire, including a "bridging" proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff.

Earlier, on February 16, Israel's Prime Minister vowed to "open the gates of hell" if Hamas fails to return all hostages and commended President Trump's "bold vision for Gaza's future."

In a joint statement with Secretary of State Rubio, Netanyahu asserted that the US and Israel possess a "common strategy" regarding Gaza.

"We cannot always disclose the specifics of this strategy to the public, including when the gates of hell will be opened, as they undoubtedly will if all our hostages are not released until the very last one," the statement indicated.

"We will dismantle Hamas' military capacity and political authority in Gaza. We will ensure the safe return of all our hostages, and we will guarantee that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel."

Rubio visited Jerusalem on February 16 as part of a regional tour, where he is expected to encounter resistance from Arab leaders regarding Trump's proposal to relocate the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip and redevelop the area under US management.