U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Qatar to remain engaged in mediation efforts aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, stressing that a negotiated settlement remains Washington’s preferred path.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his visit to Doha, Rubio said the U.S. values Qatar’s role as a key partner in past negotiations and believes it can once again play a central role despite recent tensions.
“We all prefer to see a negotiated end that leads to all the hostages being released, that leads to Hamas being disarmed and eliminated as a threat. We think Qatar can play a very key role in that,” Rubio stated.
Hostages, Hamas, and Gaza’s Future
Rubio reiterated the U.S. position that Hamas must disarm and release all hostages, describing the group as “barbarians” who continue to use civilians as human shields. He emphasized that any lasting peace must include Gaza’s reconstruction, allowing its residents to live “a much better life than what they’ve had under Hamas.”
Asked about Israeli strikes against Hamas operatives abroad, Rubio declined to provide specifics but cautioned that any actions undermining negotiations would be “counterproductive.”
Regional Reactions and Double Standards
Several Gulf states have accused Washington of double standards in its support for Israel while civilian casualties mount in Gaza. Rubio pushed back, blaming Hamas for deliberately endangering civilians and reiterating that the U.S. prefers an urgent negotiated end to hostilities.
“We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks,” Rubio warned, describing the situation as a “key moment” for diplomacy.
West Bank and the Abraham Accords
Rubio also addressed Israeli calls for annexation of parts of the West Bank, linking the rhetoric to countries that recently recognized a Palestinian state. He argued that such unilateral recognition “emboldened Hamas” and undermined peace prospects.
Other Global Concerns
The Secretary touched on broader foreign policy issues, including:
Visa Restrictions: Foreigners celebrating political assassinations online will face visa denials or revocations.
Colombia: Rubio criticized President Petro’s handling of drug cartels, leading to U.S. decertification, but said “there is a path back” if policies change.
United Nations General Assembly: Visiting diplomats linked to terrorism or extremist rhetoric could face additional scrutiny.
Ukraine War: Rubio reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to seeking an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that Trump is “the only leader in the world” able to speak to both Kyiv and Moscow.
The Bigger Picture
Despite criticism from regional partners, the U.S. insists it is committed to ending the Gaza conflict through negotiations. Rubio made clear that while military defeat of Hamas may ultimately be unavoidable, Washington continues to push for diplomacy with Qatar and Egypt as mediators.
“If there is a way to negotiate an end to this that leads to the release of the hostages and the elimination of Hamas as a threat, we’re for that. That’s what we want to see happen,” he concluded.
