Rubio Sees Hope for Israel-Hamas Deal Amid Renewed Hostage Talks
According to a source speaking to The Times of Israel, the primary sticking point remains Israel’s insistence on a temporary ceasefire, while Hamas continues to demand a permanent end to the military campaign in Gaza.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced guarded optimism on Wednesday that a long-awaited deal between Israel and Hamas may soon be reached, potentially ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of remaining hostages. However, he tempered expectations by acknowledging that similar hopes have repeatedly collapsed in recent months.
“I have some level of optimism that we may have breakthrough achievements here pretty quickly, hopefully on an end to this and the release of all the hostages,” Rubio told a congressional hearing. “I have felt that way now at least four separate times in the last couple of months, and for one reason or another, at the last minute, it didn’t happen.”
While Rubio’s remarks offered a rare glimmer of hope, sources directly involved in the negotiations painted a more sobering picture, indicating that the talks remain deadlocked. According to a source speaking to The Times of Israel, the primary sticking point remains Israel’s insistence on a temporary ceasefire, while Hamas continues to demand a permanent end to the military campaign in Gaza.
According to The Times of Israel, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is reportedly promoting a framework that would include a two-month ceasefire in exchange for the release of roughly half of the remaining living hostages. During that period, both sides would enter into negotiations toward a lasting ceasefire and the release of the remaining captives. The Trump administration is said to be offering assurances to keep Israel engaged in those talks.
In a sign of international pressure beginning to shape Israeli policy, Netanyahu earlier this week authorized the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. About 200 aid trucks have reportedly entered the territory since Monday, though the United Nations claims the aid has not yet reached civilians due to poor coordination with the Israeli military.
Rubio credited quiet U.S. diplomacy for the policy shift, which includes backing the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Created in coordination with Israel, the GHF is tasked with delivering aid through a mechanism aimed at preventing Hamas from diverting supplies. The foundation says it will begin operations in the coming days, although it currently estimates it can only reach about 60% of Gaza’s population—prompting criticism from international aid groups.
“I don’t want to be disappointed in it again, but I want you to know there are efforts ongoing to both provide more humanitarian assistance and bring about the end of this conflict,” Rubio said.
The prospect of an end to hostilities could also impact broader regional diplomacy. Rubio revealed that several Arab countries are currently in discussions to join the Abraham Accords, the normalization framework between Israel and its neighbors. He hinted at “good news” before year’s end and confirmed the U.S. is in the process of appointing an ambassador to lead the Accords office.
However, normalization with Saudi Arabia remains on hold, with Riyadh insisting on irreversible progress toward a Palestinian state—an idea firmly rejected by Netanyahu.
“Syria’s new leaders have said they have no interest in a war with Israel,” Rubio added, citing improved regional dynamics and defending the U.S. decision to ease sanctions on Damascus.
As the conflict enters its ninth month, hopes for a resolution continue to hinge on delicate negotiations, competing demands, and the growing humanitarian issue in Gaza. Whether a breakthrough can be achieved this time remains uncertain—but efforts are intensifying.
