Rubio Comments on Hamas Ceasefire Letter

Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the White House has not yet received a reported letter from Hamas proposing a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for half of the remaining hostages in Gaza. He emphasized that President Donald Trump will not accept anything less than the complete release of hostages.

“We haven’t seen the letter. It’s not in our possession. Even if it were, the President has made his stance clear: he doesn’t want just 60 days. He wants all hostages released,” Rubio stated. “Why are we even discussing this? All hostages should be released immediately—that’s the President’s position.”

Rubio clarified that even if such a letter reached Trump, it would be rejected. He suggested that this message was likely communicated to the media instead of being directed to the administration.

An unnamed source involved in negotiations indicated that Hamas had indeed drafted a letter to Trump this week. This statement follows Trump’s comments during a visit to the UK last week, where he expressed a desire for the remaining hostages to be released “right now.”

On another note, Trump had issued what he referred to as Hamas’s “final warning” earlier this month, emphasizing his terms for ending hostilities. “Everyone wants a hostage house. Everyone wants to resolve this war! The Israelis have agreed to my conditions, while Hamas has not,” he stated.

Rubio warned about the implications for Hamas if they do not comply, noting that the Israeli army is currently near Gaza City. He mentioned that Hamas leaders are concentrated in specific areas and that military action is underway.

“While it may take time, we hope it won’t have to come to that,” he remarked. “What we want is for Hamas to surrender, disarm, release all hostages, and to rebuild Gaza—a place where Palestinians can live peacefully and thrive. The sooner that happens, the quicker we can see peace.”