Marco Rubio Visits Israel to Boost Gaza Ceasefire, Aid Efforts

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel on Friday to oversee operations at a U.S.-led coordination center managing the Gaza ceasefire, as Washington pushes to establish an international security force and stabilize the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured the facility, located in southern Israel, where around 200 American troops are working alongside Israeli forces and international delegations from countries including France, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Australia, and Canada. The center focuses on civilian and military coordination, reconstruction, and humanitarian support for Gaza.

Rubio praised the progress made so far, saying, “We have a lot to be proud of in the first 10 to 12 days of implementation, despite the challenges.” He appointed Steven Fagin, U.S. ambassador to Yemen, to head the civilian side of the coordination center, while Adm. Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command leads the military operations.

Building an International Force for Gaza

During his visit, Marco Rubio revealed that the United States is working with allies to form an international stabilization force in Gaza to train a local Palestinian security unit and prevent further conflict. The U.S. is also seeking a United Nations mandate to authorize the force’s deployment, as several participating nations require official approval before joining.

Rubio said, “Countries need to know what they’re signing up for—what their mandate is, who’s in command, and what their role will be. Israel also needs to be comfortable with every participant involved.”

Rubio’s visit follows those of Vice President JD Vance, U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and other top officials, underscoring Washington’s deep involvement in maintaining the Gaza ceasefire.

Gaza’s Struggle Amid the Rubble

While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed diplomatic progress, the ground reality in Gaza remains grim. Families are returning to find their homes reduced to rubble. “I’m sitting in front of my destroyed house because I have nowhere else to go,” said Kamal Al-Yazji, whose three-story home was demolished. His family now lives in a makeshift tent, battling mosquitoes, hunger, and exhaustion.

In Gaza City, residents like Umm Muhammad al-Araishi wander through neighborhoods so damaged they can no longer recognize familiar streets. “I couldn’t find my home. I didn’t recognize the place at all,” she said, standing among the ruins.

UN and Aid Coordination

Marco Rubio stated that up to a dozen international organizations, including U.N. agencies, will be involved in Gaza’s recovery efforts—but ruled out any role for UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. “UNRWA became a subsidiary of Hamas,” he claimed, while adding that the U.S. is willing to work with other U.N. bodies to deliver aid effectively.

Earlier this week, the International Court of Justice urged Israel to allow UNRWA to resume its humanitarian operations in Gaza. Israel has blocked its supplies since March, though UNRWA continues to operate through mobile clinics, sanitation services, and emergency schooling.

A Push for Stability

The visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflects renewed American commitment to achieving lasting stability in Gaza. With an international coalition in motion, Washington hopes to rebuild the war-torn region, maintain peace, and ensure that the Gaza ceasefire becomes the foundation for a long-term political solution.