US Pushes Hamas Disarmament in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday urged the disarmament of Hamas while expressing hope for progress on the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire as regional officials met in Miami.

Top mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey met US envoys, including Steve Witkoff, to discuss implementing the next stage of the ceasefire. Rubio acknowledged the challenges, calling the October ceasefire that followed the release of hostages “a miracle.”

During the second phase, Israel is expected to withdraw from Gaza positions, an interim authority will govern the territory instead of Hamas, and an international stabilization force is to be deployed. Rubio stressed that the process would fail without Hamas disarming.

“If Hamas is ever in a position to threaten or attack Israel, you won’t have peace,” Rubio said. “That’s why disarmament is so critical.”

Hamas officials defended their right to bear arms and demanded an end to Israeli truce violations. “Our people expect these talks to halt all violations and compel Israel to abide by the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement,” said Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim.

Rubio also expressed optimism that countries would contribute troops to the Gaza stabilization force. Pakistan and Indonesia have offered support, though Israel opposes a Turkish role despite Ankara recognizing Israel.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense reported five deaths in Israeli shelling, bringing Palestinian fatalities since the October ceasefire to 400. Israel has reported three soldiers killed in ceasefire violations.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for stronger international pressure to prevent daily breaches of the truce. The talks also aim to increase humanitarian aid access and prepare for Gaza’s reconstruction in the ceasefire’s third phase.