Rubio expressed "some optimism" about the possibility of achieving tangible progress toward ending the war and releasing prisoners, citing intensive efforts in this regard. However, he added that he did not want to be disappointed again, given that similar expectations had been expressed in the past but were not met.
Rubio noted that hopes for progress had been renewed in recent months, but were dashed at least four times at the last minute.
He also affirmed that the United States continues to work to provide more humanitarian aid and is making significant efforts to end the conflict. He emphasized that Washington is seeking to return the Israeli prisoners held in Gaza, in addition to returning the bodies of those who lost their lives to their families.
Reports indicate that Tel Aviv estimates there are 58 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, 20 of whom are still alive. Its prisons hold more than 10,100 Palestinian prisoners, subjected to harsh conditions including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, many of whom have died.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been waging a war of extermination in Gaza, including killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring all international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt it.
The genocide, backed by the United States, left more than 175,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 11,000 missing, in addition to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons and a famine that killed many, including children.
