1:43State Secretary Marco Rubio gives remarks at a combined press conference with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu (not shown) at the Premier’s Headquarters, during his trip, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025. Nathan Howard/Reuters
Below is a rapid transcript of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" broadcasting on Sunday, October 5, 2025, on ABC News. This transcript isn’t in its completed version, may be revised, and could have some slight errors. For prior show transcripts, go to the "This Week" transcript inventory.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MARTHA RADDATZ, ABC “THIS WEEK” CO-HOST: Two years following the October 7th assault in Israel, is a conclusion to the hostilities in Gaza achievable?
"THIS WEEK" commences now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This marks a significant day. We must solidify the final decision and make it tangible.
RADDATZ: Israel and Hamas support President Trump's scheme to liberate all the remaining captives.
TRUMP: All parties were united in their desire to halt this conflict, and we’re on the cusp of accomplishing that.
RADDATZ: Nonetheless, with notable variations persisting, will the accord effectively resolve the dispute? This morning, State Secretary Marco Rubio addresses the recent response from freed captive Keith Siegel, along with former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis.
Shutdown confrontation.
REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): They should come to an understanding.
RADDATZ: The federal government pauses as Washington disagrees over healthcare spending.
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): We’re prepared to collaborate on a strategy to decrease healthcare expenses.
SEN. JOHN THUNE (R-SD): We should restore government operations and then deliberate.
RADDATZ: For how much longer will the stoppage endure? We'll question Democratic Senator Cory Booker.
And fresh directives.
PETE HEGSETH, DEFENSE SECRETARY: We transformed into the liberal department, but no longer.
RADDATZ: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlines his guidelines for the nation's leading officers.
HEGSETH: It's completely intolerable to observe obese generals and admirals within the Pentagon’s confines.
RADDATZ: We’ll receive feedback from former Army Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli.
Furthermore, assessment from our potent roundtable.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: From ABC News, it's "THIS WEEK." Here’s Martha Raddatz.
RADDATZ: Greetings, and welcome to "THIS WEEK."
This morning, in close proximity to the two-year milestone of the appalling Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7th, a sentiment of optimism arises regarding the freedom of the remaining captives and the termination of the Gaza conflict. Nevertheless, that optimism is restrained by the persistent significant variances in accomplishing a settlement.
Throughout the night, Israelis gathered for peace once Hamas consented in principle to President Trump's proposed 20-component peace initiative, encompassing the release of all captives still detained within Gaza. However, this is subjected to stipulations. President Trump and global leaders have responded favorably to the advancement. Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed in a televised address last night that we are nearing a substantial milestone.
Our Ian Panel, who has thoroughly chronicled this affair, initiates our broadcast.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHIEF FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT IAN PANNELL (voice over): This morning, escalating anticipation for a significant diplomatic leap forward and the end of hostilities in Gaza.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This marks a significant day. We’ll witness the final result. We have to cement the final decree and ensure its implementation.
PANNELL (voice over): The president's 20-point proposal demands an instantaneous cessation of hostilities, yet initially advocates for the liberation of all captives within 72 hours. In its reaction, Hamas conveyed its willingness to free all captives provided that “appropriate field circumstances” are met. The specifics of these circumstances remain uncertain.
In reciprocal action, approximately 250 Palestinian detainees would gain their freedom, along with 1,700 Gazans imprisoned since October, encompassing women and minors, including the repatriation of 15 Gazan remains for each deceased Israeli repatriated.
The initiative further petitions Israel to progressively retreat from Gaza, transferring jurisdiction of the territory to an international organization supported by Arab states. A substantial surge in humanitarian relief to the devastated region would ensue upon reaching an accord.
Trump voiced his sentiments on social media, expressing his belief that Hamas is “prepared for an enduring peace,” and urging that “Israel must immediately cease the bombardment of Gaza.”
Netanyahu, addressing the nation in Hebrew on Saturday night, stated, “we’re on the threshold of a monumental feat. Ideally, in the coming days, amid the Sukkot festival, we’ll be able to announce the repatriation of all our captives.”
Notwithstanding Trump’s plea, IDF attacks on Gaza City persisted overnight. Significant inquiries and hesitation endure, prominently due to Hamas’s lack of commitment to disarm as requested by President Trump.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PANNELL (on camera): And, Martha, there remains a significant route to traverse. Negotiators intend to convene in Egypt tomorrow to refine the particulars and conclusively accomplish this agreement, as answers to certain pivotal concerns continue to be unattainable.
Nevertheless, indications of hope are present, implying that the culmination of this devastating dispute may be drawing near. I believe this outcome hinges on two paramount aspects. To begin, will either faction concede ground? Moreover, I contend that President Trump has significantly transformed this dynamic. Will he sustain this trajectory, unite conflicting factions, and drive this initiative toward ultimate fruition?
Martha.
RADDATZ: Our gratitude to Ian Pannell.
I'm presently joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Greetings, Mr. Secretary.
SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO: Good morning.
RADDATZ: Let's continue from Ian’s final point. Are tangible indications of optimism apparent? Is this circumstance unique?
RUBIO: This represents our most proximate opportunity to secure the release of all captives, each and every one. All 48, inclusive of the 28 who have passed. Naturally, the 20 who remain living. Nevertheless, numerous obstacles remain throughout this process. Further endeavors are necessitated here.
I advocate that all parties assess this situation in two distinct stages. The preliminary stage, embraced by Hamas, involves the president's framework for release. The captives are liberated, and Israel recedes to the designated boundary, generally mirroring their presence in August of the previous year. That exchange transpires. It constitutes the initial phase of these conversations, necessitating navigation of its logistical complexities. Particularly, deliberations on the logistics of retrieval, including the identification of the responsible party for transport and the procedural elements governing the exchange. We aspire to facilitate that occurrence expediently.
The ensuing stage of this dialogue, potentially transpiring concurrently, entails deliberation on subsequent developments. What unfolds upon Israel’s retraction to this demarcation? How is the international collective, poised to institute an administrative framework, an international administrative entity guided by specialists, Palestinian specialists, et cetera, organized? This element is anticipated to present heightened complexity. However, it is critical in delivering permanence to the resolution of the discord.
Consequently, our focus is channeled toward these sequential stages. The primary phase assumes extraordinary significance in securing the repatriation of the 20 captives — inclusive of the broader set of 48 captives.
RADDATZ: Further, Mr. Secretary, let's explore these matters in greater detail. Hamas stipulated that the liberation of captives be contingent upon, “the provision of satisfactory field circumstances for performing the exchange.” You acknowledged this briefly; could you elaborate on the complexity of this process? Do you truly believe they will be released, or are these merely delaying strategies?
RUBIO: I harbor hope that their freedom will materialize. I believe probabilities exist. Look, the prerequisite of field conditions, a topic the president referenced on his Truth Social posting Friday evening, stipulates that a prisoner swap cannot commence, nor can their extraction transpire, if explosions and active combat circumstances persist. Fortunately, as documented, the Israelis communicated their cessation of all offensive procedures within the territory, except when neutralizing an immediate menace. For instance, when someone advances with what appears to be a self-destructive vest —
RADDATZ: There were bombardments last night.
RUBIO: — or is attired (ph) that —
RADDATZ: Last night, Gaza City underwent bombardments.
RUBIO: Precisely, we must delve into that matter. Yes. As I reiterated, we need to assess the exact nature of those operations. Fundamentally, an exchange is untenable amidst persistent combat. Simply unattainable for the wellbeing of the prisoners and for entities such as the Red Cross, or whichever organization oversees and participates in this exchange. These parameters need to be defined. The Israelis pledged their intervention is relegated to immediate threats exclusively. Thus, we will examine any such instances for their impact on a core element.
Unquestionably, we must ensure Hamas fulfills its responsibilities in this regard. Notwithstanding, avenues exist for individuals keen on derailing the undertaking, including Hamas, by generating scenarios unconducive to a realistic exchange.
To reiterate, this is not a stress-free undertaking. Significant progression is apparent, albeit considerably extensive exertion persists. It signifies the most substantial occurrence in the entirety of this affair within a prolonged timeframe. It represents our proximate possibility of perceiving a route to the emancipation of each and every captive.
RADDATZ: Furthermore, a declaration from President Trump conveys that “the captives must return to Israel within 72 hours of accepting the initiative.” Has this period commenced, or is your assessment that they haven’t fully embraced the scheme?
RUBIO: Well, I suppose they have accepted the basic concepts and guiding principles of the plan. As we just explored, the procedural logistics remain pending. How it should materialize? The timing, the locale? Logistical considerations do feature here. External parties are necessitated for on-site retrieval. Instances of such procedures were noted in prior hostage releases, wherein the Red Cross would accept stewardship of these individuals, repatriating them thereafter. That is the segment that needs to be completed. At which point, I would say, if a degree of precision and legitimacy is desired, the timeline would become activated.
The purpose of specifying 72 hours is the promotion of efficiency. This endeavor cannot stagnate. The scenario of deliberating about the logistics of prisoner liberations in three weeks is unacceptable. To perpetuate the agreement’s momentum, immediate movement is critical.
Our dealings involve two factions characterized by animosity. In the aftermath of the events two years ago on October 7th, comprehending the negligible confidence that Israelis allocate to Hamas is essential. Trusting Hamas is unadvisable. Still, we have to realize this objective. I would advocate for expediting its finalization. The liberation of prisoners has to happen rapidly.
RADDATZ: Are we alluding to a duration within a matter of days? Is it anticipated to unfold next week if it remains unresolved this week?
RUBIO: The discussions — actually, the technical deliberations are presently underway. Our aspiration is that upon our delegation's arrival in Cairo, nearly 90 percent of the issues have been addressed, and we are only finalizing the procedural aspects. We aspire to a state prior to yesterday. Ideally, prisoners should be moving as fast as possible.
Evidently, we must enlist the cooperation of groups like the Red Cross, or whichever team enters to retrieve the individuals. These components must be finalized, an effort of minimal duration.
Negotiations are underway as we speak. Finalization will ideally occur swiftly, early this week. Although exact timelines are indefinite, my anticipation remains resolute. Lengthened timelines of weeks or even several days are unacceptable. We want immediate activation.
Should it falter, the viability of the entire agreement will be compromised. To maintain stability and integrity, these developments need to unfold swiftly.
RADDATZ: Secretary Rubio, President Trump also avowed that Hamas cannot perpetrate threats. This element of disarming hasn’t surfaced throughout this arrangement.
RUBIO: Precisely. This facet occupies a core position within the secondary phase we previously explored. As long as threats emanate from Gaza against the security of Israel, perpetrated by Hamas or any successor faction, so long as individuals or factions inside Gaza retain access to rockets, erect tunnels, and aspire to abduct, slay, rape Israeli nationals, and strike Israel, peace is unattainable. This is evident to all, inclusive of Arab nations within the region. In response, they endorsed the blueprint propagated by President Trump, an understanding aligning with the ambitions of Israel, our aspirations in the design of the accord, and the vision of regional nations for a Gaza administered by Palestinian specialists, civil servants, and leaders who constitute no menace to Israel.
The presence of threats originating from Gaza precludes sustainable peace. Such demobilization measures are compulsory.
Unquestionably, on account of their historical trajectory and intrinsic mission of menacing the Israeli state, we deem Hamas unsuitable for incorporation into this initiative. This component warrants consideration within the secondary stage, and undoubtedly, it’s anticipated to be a challenging aspect.
However, in the sincere pursuit of lasting peace, anyone advocating for an enduring peace should endorse the demobilization of Hamas or any similar armed faction aspiring to operate from Gaza.
RADDATZ: Senator Lindsey Graham, an ally of President Trump, offered criticism of Hamas' response, describing it as a quintessential case of, "yes, but."
What observations would you convey to the senator?
RUBIO: To commence, maintaining vigilance is essential. Requirements have to be fulfilled to bring this to fruition. In the event that two weeks transpire, or a week, or any intermediate period, and the hostages remain at large amid evident manipulative tactics, the president has articulated our predetermined position. That decree was delivered Friday morning in a Truth Social posting, designating a 6:00 p.m. deadline of Sunday for acknowledgment.
It was highly indicative that within hours of the announcement, a missive from Hamas emerged, asserting their agreement with the architecture instituted by the president. Further discussions were encouraged concerning the logistical execution of hostage releases, in conjunction with the broader agreement.
To be unequivocal, asserting the culmination of this process is inaccurate. Conversely, affirmation of a significantly ameliorated state as opposed to seven days prior is reasonable. Adverse deviations remained plausible. The prospect of proper finalization warrants persistent dedication.
The endeavor involves multiple parties; however, recognition of President Trump's role is essential. Beyond the United States, Qatar, the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and additional territorial entities are significantly engaged in the talks. Their collective backing supports the effort.
Our common ambition is to attain a consensus. Collectively applied pressure can facilitate positive outcomes. I remain hopeful regarding the eventuality, but caution persists, and ease remains improbable.
RADDATZ: The hope of this outcome is common. Thank you for sharing your insight this morning, Mr. Secretary. Your time is appreciated.
RUBIO: You’re welcome. Thank you, Martha.
RADDATZ: Since two years have passed from the Hamas massacre on October 7th, we intend to reflect briefly on one of the areas ravaged by that assault, specifically where we made a prior visit.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RADDATZ (voice-over): Two years back during this week, this relatively small region encompassing about 800 individuals, Kfar Aza situated in southern Israel, underwent extensive damage. Hamas activists penetrated this kibbutz, located directly alongside the Gaza borderline, resulting in 64 fatalities and the captivity of 19 inhabitants.
This portal provided passage for Hamas terrorists, one of thirty locations experiencing breaches.
(voice-over): During our revisited assessment after one year, concurrent with the massacre’s anniversary, the wreckage and distress were evident. The desolated settlement acted as both a memorial to the fallen and a reminder of the missing.
LIRAN BERMAN, BROTHER OF HOSTAGES GALI & ZIV BERMAN: This is Ziv’s residence.
RADDATZ: That’s his dwelling.
BERMAN: Ziv is a brother of mine. The location on the opposing end is Gali’s residence.
RADDATZ (voice-over): Liran Berman, whose twin brothers, Ziv and Gali, aged 28, still languish in Gazan captivity, just miles from their home, was an interviewee.
Liran often frequents the property to maintain a bond.
BERMAN: This location symbolizes a range of emotions. Positive times are rare. Mediocre days are more common. Primarily, concentration is applied to the mission of securing repatriation for my brothers and the other captives.
RADDATZ (voice over): News regarding a proposed hostage redemption spurred Liran to participate in a gathering in Tel Aviv alongside other families.
BERMAN: When will my brothers return home?
We remain suspended between anticipation and trepidation. Previous misrepresentations by Hamas have been experienced. The collapse of another accord should be prevented.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
RADDATZ (on camera): Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli citizen, endured abduction in Kfar Aza on October 7th, only to be released this February after 484 days. Subsequently, he proceeded to visit his devastated residence inside the kibbutz two weeks later. You see him in this photograph. He stands with us here.
Welcome, Mr. Siegel. We appreciate your involvement today.
Did you note Liran Berman’s perspective, encapsulated by a position between expectation and fear? What level of optimism do you hold for the achievement of this arrangement?
ISRAELI-AMERICAN FORMER HOSTAGE KEITH SIEGEL: I hold an optimistic view. Hope remains constant. Nevertheless, my commitment to promoting the release of my four fellow captives, namely Gali and Ziv Berman, Liran’s identical brothers, Omri Miran, and Matan Angrest, collectively designated as my closest colleagues encountered in detention, and all 48 hostages, persists till their return to the comforts of their household. I value this possibility to direct public awareness to the sustained detention of 48 innocent individuals by Hamas militants. Placed in grave circumstances, subjected to suffering for almost two years, we should secure their homecoming.
RADDATZ: You maintain acquaintance with Liran and the Berman twins since infancy in Kfar Aza, and you were in contact with them throughout your detention. Do you recall any details concerning them or the state of their well-being?
SIEGEL: On October 7th, Gali and Ziv Berman encountered abduction by Hamas militants jointly. However, separation was imposed throughout their captivity. Despite a close bond encompassing work and shared experiences, Hamas enforced this segregation. Wounds afflicted Gali and Ziv during the October 7th events caused by these militants. An extensive period has elapsed since our interaction.
After my liberation eight months back, the possibility of enduring freedom while my compatriots and all detainees lingered in confinement never crossed my mind.
RADDATZ: Can you provide context about your detention?
SIEGEL: The ordeal consumed 484 days. My freedom was obtained February 1st this year. An agreement promoted by President Trump, the core instigator, guaranteed my liberation, amongst others. My gratitude toward President Trump for ensuring my survival and homecoming to my household remains eternal.
The initial six months included solitary circumstances. Transfers occurred 33 times. Sustenance underground consumed a considerable portion of my stay, where suffocation was common at 130 feet, gasping for any trace of air, coupled with insufficient food and water, and with lingering anxiety about the probability of permanent containment. Injustices and brutality were viewed. Personal incidents involving abuse and cruelty transpired. For unprovoked reasons, the militants spat upon me, kicked me, and resorted to verbal assaults. Upon demands to lie on the floor without movement, the demands were met.
Despite all the factors, the preceding description does not highlight an incident of a woman being tortured. Both hands and feet were bound together, her mouth taped shut. Her torturers repeatedly struck her with a rod while consistently piercing her brow using a sharp point. I witnessed that. The events unfolded. The various forms of abuse and brutality experienced linger to this day.
RADDATZ: You underwent horrors beyond my conception. The hope for the others’ release remains. As expressed on the apparel, their repatriation is critical. Thank you.
SIEGEL: You're welcome.
RADDATZ: Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, author of “The Restless Wave,” now has his literary work in paperback.
Welcome, Admiral Stavridis.
Based on your engagement with Secretary Rubio, the President, among others, is a truce attainable?
ADM. JAMES STAVRIDIS (RET.), FORMER NATO SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER: I hope so. Cautious optimism remains. However, this cycle has consumed almost a year. The scenario from Peanuts where Lucy consistently withdraws the football is an allegory. Hamas consistently pulls away at the conclusion.
As factors, I acknowledge three aspects to assess its likelihood for attainment, which were inspired by Warren Zevon’s song, "Send lawyers, guns, and money." A critical assessment is governance. Like attorneys, the guns, where removing firearms from Hamas is crucial, and money, where financial backing is critical, will prove pertinent.
Such elements occupy my principal focus. Presently, I remain cautiously optimistic.
RADDATZ: Regarding captive liberation, if fulfilled, future negotiations will experience a deficit. Do you expect liberation before a broader consensus?
STAVRID
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