Top U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio on Friday, October 24, expressed hopes for the rapid formation of an international force to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza, following an agreement among Palestinian factions to establish a technocratic committee to administer the post-war territory.
Rubio, who visited Israel shortly after Vice President JD Vance, emphasized that it was crucial to “create the conditions for the stabilization force to come in as soon as it possibly can be put together.” His visit was part of a wider U.S. effort to encourage both Hamas and Israel to uphold the truce.
During meetings with Israeli, U.S., and other Western officials stationed in southern Israel, Rubio voiced optimism about achieving a lasting end to the two-year Gaza conflict. The ceasefire agreement—brokered by President Donald Trump—calls for an international security force to oversee the territory’s stability following the war, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Meanwhile, Palestinian factions, including Hamas, announced on Friday that they had agreed to form a temporary committee of independent technocrats to manage Gaza’s day-to-day affairs. According to a statement published on the Hamas website, the committee would operate “in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions” to maintain essential services.
The factions also urged a national meeting to “agree on a unified strategy and revitalize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.” Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in 2007, is not part of the PLO, which remains dominated by its rival faction, Fatah.
Although Hamas has said it does not wish to govern post-war Gaza, it continues to resist demands for disarmament. The establishment of an international security force is seen as key to unlocking reconstruction funds, which U.S. officials have pledged will not be directed to Hamas-controlled areas. However, the countries contributing troops have not yet been determined.
Rubio confirmed that Israel would have veto power over the composition of the force, noting reports that Israel opposes Turkey’s involvement. “There are a lot of countries that have offered to take part,” he said. “But ultimately, it has to be countries that Israel is comfortable with.”
Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has been an outspoken critic of Israel, while Indonesia—the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation—has offered to contribute troops. The United Arab Emirates is already participating in ceasefire monitoring efforts.
Rubio added that the U.S. might seek a United Nations mandate for the mission, as some nations require UN authorization before deploying forces. However, he ruled out any future role for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which Israel has banned from operating in its territory.
The Trump administration has reportedly taken a firmer stance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier this year dismissed a previous ceasefire and launched a new offensive. Israel is still waiting for Hamas to return the remains of 13 of 28 hostages it agreed to release.
On Friday, Hamas stated that it had received “clear guarantees” from mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that “the war has effectively ended.”
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