The Call for Eradication: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Stance on Hamas

On February 16, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a bold declaration during his visit to Jerusalem, stating that Hamas “must be eradicated.” This statement came amid a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing 16-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. Rubio’s remarks, made during his first Middle East tour, have sparked significant debate and raised questions about the future of the region. This article delves into the details of Rubio’s visit, his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the implications of his strong stance on Hamas.

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Rubio’s Meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem

A Strong Endorsement of Israel’s War Aims

Secretary Rubio’s visit to Jerusalem marked the beginning of his regional tour, which included meetings with key leaders in the Middle East. During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rubio fully endorsed Israel’s military objectives in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that Hamas, as both a military and governing force, poses a significant obstacle to peace.

Rubio’s statement, “Hamas must be eradicated,” underscored the U.S. administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s efforts to dismantle the militant group. This endorsement, however, has cast further doubt on the already shaky ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The Ceasefire and Its Uncertain Future

The ceasefire, which began two weeks prior to Rubio’s visit, was intended to facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners while paving the way for a lasting truce. However, Rubio’s strong language and Netanyahu’s readiness to resume military operations have complicated the prospects of a peaceful resolution.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivers a speech at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem on February 16, 2025, as part of his inaugural Middle East tour. (JACK GUEZ/Pool via REUTERS)

Netanyahu echoed Rubio’s sentiments, warning that “the gates of hell would be open” if Hamas failed to release the remaining hostages abducted during its October 7, 2023, attack. This rhetoric has heightened tensions and raised concerns about the potential resumption of hostilities.

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The Humanitarian and Political Challenges

The Plight of Hostages and Civilians

One of the most pressing concerns in the conflict is the fate of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Resuming the war could jeopardize their lives and further destabilize the region. Despite the ceasefire, Hamas has accused Netanyahu of attempting to sabotage the agreement by delaying the entry of essential supplies, such as mobile homes and heavy machinery, into Gaza.

Hamas has also rejected Netanyahu’s offer for its leaders to surrender and go into exile, insisting on Palestinian rule in Gaza. The group has proposed either a Palestinian unity government or a technocratic committee to govern the territory, but Israel has ruled out any role for the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

Arab Leaders’ Dilemma

For Arab leaders, the situation presents a complex challenge. Facilitating the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or engaging in direct conflict with Hamas on behalf of Israel are untenable options. Such actions would likely provoke fierce domestic criticism and destabilize an already volatile region.

Egypt, in particular, has warned that any mass influx of Palestinians from Gaza would undermine its peace treaty with Israel, a cornerstone of U.S. influence in the Middle East. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi emphasized that the continuation of the conflict would harm all parties involved.

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Rubio’s Regional Tour and Diplomatic Efforts

Visits to the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Following his meeting with Netanyahu, Rubio was scheduled to visit regional heavyweights, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. These visits are critical in garnering support for a postwar plan that aligns with U.S. and Israeli interests.

The UAE, a key player in the 2020 Abraham Accords, has rejected any mass displacement of Palestinians. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has conditioned its normalization of relations with Israel on a pathway to Palestinian statehood. Rubio’s efforts to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia face significant hurdles, given the kingdom’s stance on the Palestinian issue.

The Role of Arab States in Postwar Gaza

Rubio has called on Arab states to take a more active role in addressing the Hamas threat. In a recent radio interview, he suggested that Arab countries could contribute troops to combat Hamas, emphasizing that American soldiers would not be deployed for this purpose.

“If someone has a better plan, and we hope they do, if the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great,” Rubio stated. However, he acknowledged the challenges of confronting an armed group like Hamas and the limitations of regional cooperation.

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The Broader Implications of Rubio’s Stance

The Risk of Escalation

Rubio’s call for the eradication of Hamas has significant implications for the region. Such language could complicate ongoing negotiations and escalate tensions, particularly if Israel resumes military operations. The potential resumption of the war could lead to further civilian casualties and humanitarian crises in Gaza.

The International Response

The international community has expressed concern over the potential expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, with human rights groups warning that such actions could violate international law. Egypt is working with other Arab countries on a counterproposal that would allow for Gaza’s reconstruction without displacing its population.

The U.S.-Israel Alliance

Rubio’s visit and his strong support for Israel highlight the close alliance between the two nations. The recent shipment of 2,000-pound MK-84 munitions from the United States to Israel further underscores this partnership. However, the Biden administration’s decision to pause a similar shipment last year over concerns about civilian casualties reflects the delicate balance of supporting Israel while addressing humanitarian concerns.

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A Path Forward

Secretary Rubio’s declaration that Hamas “must be eradicated” has set the stage for a contentious and uncertain future in the Middle East. While his stance aligns with Israel’s objectives, it raises significant challenges for achieving a lasting peace. The involvement of Arab states, the fate of hostages, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza remain critical issues that require careful diplomacy and international cooperation.

As Rubio continues his regional tour, the world watches closely to see how his efforts will shape the trajectory of the conflict and the prospects for peace in the Middle East.

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