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GAZA: The United States does not consider Israel’s recent airstrike in Gaza a violation of the ongoing ceasefire, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, emphasizing that Israel retains its right to self-defense under the agreement.
Israel confirmed that it targeted a member of the Islamic Jihad group on Saturday, alleging the individual was preparing an attack on Israeli forces. The militant organization denied the accusation, calling the Israeli claim “baseless.”
Speaking to reporters aboard President Donald Trump’s plane during a trip to Asia, Rubio said, “We don’t view that as a violation of the ceasefire.”
He further clarified that Israel’s actions were consistent with its security obligations under the truce mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The ceasefire, established after years of hostilities, has largely held since it took effect, with occasional flare-ups testing its durability.
“The agreement does not mean Israel has given up its right to defend itself,” Rubio stated. “If there’s an imminent threat to Israel, they have every right to act — and all the mediators agree with that position.”
The ceasefire, now in place for over two years, was a product of months of negotiations following the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The truce saw Hamas release the remaining living hostages earlier this month, marking a critical step toward stabilization in the region.
However, Rubio emphasized that Hamas must also fulfill its remaining commitments under the accord, including returning the remains of hostages who died in captivity. “It’s essential that all sides uphold their responsibilities. Hamas needs to accelerate efforts to bring closure to the families of those who were lost,” he said.
The Israeli military’s strike came shortly after Rubio concluded his visit to Israel, where he met senior officials to discuss measures to reinforce the ceasefire. His visit underscored Washington’s continued engagement in ensuring that the fragile peace agreement remains intact amid tensions and sporadic violence.
While the Gaza Strip has seen relative calm compared to the peak of the conflict, occasional exchanges of fire and mutual accusations continue to challenge the truce’s sustainability. Analysts warn that isolated incidents, if not managed carefully, could quickly spiral into broader confrontations.
For now, Washington’s stance signals ongoing support for Israel’s security concerns, even as the Biden administration maintains pressure on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire framework.
As Rubio concluded, “Peace depends on accountability from all sides — and on preventing those who seek to reignite violence from succeeding.”