Post by : Rameen Ariff

On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel to oversee operations at a U.S.-led coordination center focused on the Gaza ceasefire as Washington aims to form an international security force to maintain and enhance the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

Rubio toured the center located in southern Israel, where approximately 200 U.S. troops collaborate with Israeli military personnel and international delegations from nations such as France, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Australia, and Canada. The center is tasked with civilian and military cooperation, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

“We have achieved significant progress in the first 10 to 12 days, despite the challenges,” said Rubio, emphasizing the ongoing efforts. He appointed Steven Fagin, the U.S. ambassador to Yemen, to lead the civilian side of the coordination efforts, while Adm. Brad Cooper from U.S. Central Command will manage military operations.

Plans for an International Force in Gaza

During his visit, Rubio disclosed that the U.S. is collaborating with allies to establish an international force aimed at training a local Palestinian security unit, thereby preventing future conflicts. The plan also includes seeking a United Nations mandate to facilitate the force’s deployment, with several participating nations requiring formal approval to join.

“Countries must understand their commitments—what their mandate is, who’s in command, and what their roles will be,” Rubio stated. He added that Israel needs assurance regarding each participant's involvement.

This visit comes in the wake of similar trips by Vice President JD Vance and U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, signaling Washington’s deep engagement in upholding the Gaza ceasefire.

Gaza's Harsh Reality Amid Recovery Efforts

While Secretary Rubio focused on diplomatic initiatives, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. Families return to find their homes destroyed. Kamal Al-Yazji lamented, “I’m sitting in front of my demolished house because I have nowhere else to go.” His family currently resides in a makeshift tent, facing challenges like mosquitoes, hunger, and fatigue.

In Gaza City, residents are grappling with desolation; Umm Muhammad al-Araishi expressed her despair, stating, “I couldn’t find my home. I didn’t recognize the place at all,” as she navigated through shattered neighborhoods.

Coordination with UN and Aid Organizations

Rubio indicated that nearly a dozen international organizations, including U.N. agencies, will play a part in Gaza's recovery—but he dismissed any role for UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, claiming that “UNRWA became a subsidiary of Hamas.” He affirmed U.S. readiness to collaborate with other U.N. organizations for effective aid delivery.

This week, the International Court of Justice urged Israel to permit UNRWA to resume its humanitarian work in Gaza, although Israel has barred its supplies since March, with UNRWA continuing to provide mobile clinics, sanitation services, and emergency schooling.

A Renewed Commitment to Stability

Rubio's visit underscores a renewed American dedication to achieving enduring stability in Gaza. With an international coalition forming, Washington seeks to rebuild the war-impacted region, uphold peace, and ensure that the Gaza ceasefire serves as a foundation for a comprehensive political resolution.

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