The US State Department released an official statement regarding Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, which will include a visit to Israel.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Munich on February 13 to participate in the Munich Security Conference, where he will discuss a range of US priorities with international partners. While in Munich, Secretary Rubio will also participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He will then travel to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from February 15-18,” announced State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
She further explained that Rubio’s trip to Israel “will center on freeing American and all other hostages from Hamas captivity, advancing to Phase II of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and countering the destabilizing activities of the Iranian regime and its proxies.”
The statement also mentioned that Rubio’s discussions with high-ranking officials “will promote US interests in advancing regional cooperation, stability, and peace.”
Earlier in the day, a Hamas representative confirmed that the terror group would proceed with the release of hostages as scheduled on Saturday.
The spokesperson emphasized that not all hostages would be freed at once, but only those designated for release under the existing agreement.
This statement came amid growing uncertainty surrounding the deal after Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida announced that the group would delay the next round of hostages’ release, accusing Israel of breaching the terms of the agreement.
In reaction, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas: “As far as I’m concerned, if all of the hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12:00 o’clock, I think it’s an appropriate time, I would say cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out.”
He continued, “I’d say they ought to be returned by 12:00 o’clock on Saturday. And if they’re not returned, all of them, not in drips and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two, Saturday at 12:00 o’clock. And after that, I would say all hell is going to break out.”
Despite his firm stance, Trump recognized that the ultimate decision would rest with Israel, stating, “I’m speaking for myself. Israel can override it.”
{Matzav.com}