US Moves to Secure Gaza: Rubio's Historic Mission

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Israel to promote an international security force for Gaza, as the Trump administration aims to strengthen a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Despite logistical challenges, optimism remains high. Meanwhile, Gaza's rebuilding efforts face critical shortages and humanitarian struggles.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as part of the Trump administration's efforts to enforce a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, visited a US-led coordination centre in southern Israel. The initiative seeks to establish an international security force in Gaza, with Rubio marking the latest in a series of high-profile US visits.

Rubio was optimistic about the mission, stating, "This is a historic mission… there's nothing to model this after, because this has never happened before." The US is engaging Gulf Arab allies to deploy a stabilisation force and train a Palestinian security group. Discussions for international mandates are ongoing.

In Gaza, residents returning to their homes are met with devastation and a dire lack of resources. Despite arrays of international flags at the coordination centre, the logistical and humanitarian challenges are immense. Rubio emphasized multi-group aid efforts but ruled out the involvement of the UNRWA, which Israel claims is infiltrated by Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies.)