Rubio says Hamas must never rule Gaza again in call with UAE president

WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that Hamas must never govern Gaza again, according to a State Department readout of their call on Tuesday.

The two discussed regional security, the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, and the release of hostages, including American citizens, said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

During the call, Rubio expressed appreciation for the UAE’s humanitarian aid to Gaza and "highlighted the imperative of ensuring that Hamas can never rule Gaza or threaten Israel again," she said.

Rubio and Sheikh Mohamed also reaffirmed the strength of US-UAE ties and explored avenues for cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. They further discussed "their support for the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon," said Bruce.

The call came as US President Donald Trump’s proposal to "take over" Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians faced widespread international criticism.

Rubio is set to visit the Middle East this week with planned stops in the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia as part of diplomatic efforts amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

On Monday, Trump warned that "all hell" will break out if all Israeli captives in Gaza were not released by 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Hamas announced late Monday that it was indefinitely postponing the next hostage-prisoner exchange scheduled for Saturday, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The three-phase ceasefire deal has been in place in Gaza since Jan. 19, halting Israel’s 15-month war, which has killed more than 48,200 people and left the enclave in ruins.