8:26Secretary of State Marco Rubio is featured on ABC News’ “This Week” on October 5, 2025.ABC News
Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hopefulness Sunday regarding a potential agreement between Hamas and Israel to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza, commenting that it is "the nearest we’ve approached to securing the freedom of all the captives."
However, the leading U.S. diplomat also advised against overconfidence, stating that definitive conclusion is not yet assured, mentioning there are vital aspects of the peace strategy presented by President Donald Trump that still demand resolution, adding, "there's numerous challenges ahead."
"This signifies our closest point to achieving the liberation of every single hostage, all 48, which includes the 28 who are deceased,” Rubio informed Martha Raddatz, co-anchor of ABC News' "This Week". "Nevertheless, there's numerous challenges ahead. There's ongoing work to be done."
Rubio stated that "some of the detailed discourse" was already underway, and underscored that the U.S. considers promptness essential, particularly concerning what he defined as the preliminary stage of this arrangement: the repatriation of the hostages to Israel.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is featured on ABC News’ “This Week” on October 5, 2025.ABC News
"[President Trump] desires to see swift progress. This situation is not suitable for prolonged delays. We cannot afford to still be deliberating, three weeks from now, about the practicalities of securing the hostages’ freedom. That action must occur without delay to ensure the rest of this agreement gains traction," Rubio commented.
He added, "Our aspiration is that by the time our delegation reaches Cairo, 90% of the details will have been finalized, leaving us to simply conclude the logistical aspects. Ideally, we’d prefer it finalized immediately."
Mediators are scheduled to commence further discussions between Israel and Hamas this coming Monday in Egypt, according to the nation's foreign ministry. Steve Witkoff, U.S. special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, will be among the U.S. representatives participating in the discussions.
Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli who endured captivity under Hamas for 484 days and was freed on Feb. 1, shared his optimism with Raddatz in a distinct segment on "This Week".
"I maintain hope, yet my commitment to championing the cause for the release of all 48 hostages, including my four companions from captivity, endures until their complete liberation and return to their respective families," he expressed.
"Their existence is imperiled. They have endured nearly two years of suffering, and their return is paramount," Siegel emphasized.
Here are additional noteworthy excerpts from Rubio’s interview:
Rubio Details Two "Stages" of Captive Release, Peace Accord
The initial stage, which Hamas has embraced, involves the president's structure for release. The hostages are freed, and Israel withdraws to what has been termed the yellow line, roughly their position as of August of the previous year. This exchange is enacted, marking the initial step of these dialogues, as the execution specifics must be addressed. …
The secondary phase of this discussion, which may proceed concurrently, concerns the subsequent developments post-Israeli withdrawal to this line. What follows the withdrawal? What role does the international consortium assume in establishing a governance framework, an international administration steered by experts, Palestinian professionals, etc.? I anticipate this segment will present greater complexities, yet it holds the key to securing a lasting resolution to the conflict. Our focus remains on these two stages.
On Prerequisites for Guaranteeing Captive Release
Rubio: The exchange of hostages, and their safe retrieval, is untenable amidst ongoing bombardments and active combat. Fortunately, as you’re aware, the Israelis have declared a cessation of all offensive maneuvers in the territory, save for addressing immediate threats. For instance, confronting an individual approaching with a perceived suicide vest —
Raddatz: There were bombings last night.
Rubio: — Addressing that.
Raddatz: There were bombings last night in Gaza City
Rubio: Well, that warrants further investigation — yes — we must ascertain the precise nature of those operations. Ultimately, an exchange amidst active combat is untenable, prioritizing the security of the hostages and the personnel from the Red Cross, or whichever entity is involved in the exchange. Establishing appropriate conditions is crucial. The Israelis have stipulated engagement only in cases of imminent threats. Consequently, we’ll scrutinize any such activity, recognizing its significance. Ensuring Hamas’ cooperation is equally paramount. Nevertheless, opportunities for sabotage abound, potentially originating from Hamas.
On Hamas’ Unresolved Disarmament Agreement
Raddatz: President Trump also mentioned Hamas’ incapability of posing future threats. Disarmament, a crucial element, has not been discussed as part of this agreement.
Rubio: Precisely. It constitutes a vital component of the aforementioned second stage. Enduring peace hinges on the absence of threats emanating from Gaza against Israeli security, be it from Hamas or its successor. Peace remains elusive while individuals or groups within Gaza possess rockets, construct tunnels, and harbor intentions to abduct, murder, and rape Israeli citizens and target Israel. …
The presence of any threat originating from Gaza undermines the prospects for sustainable peace. Demobilization is imperative. Given Hamas’ track record and core mission of menacing the Israeli state, it’s implausible for them to participate. Addressing this matter in the second stage is essential, though undoubtedly challenging. True advocates for enduring peace must champion the demobilization of Hamas or any armed terrorist faction operating from Gaza.
On Potential Delay Tactics by Hamas
It is prudent for all parties to maintain realistic expectations. Specific preconditions are requisite. Should it become evident, within the next week or two, that the release of hostages is not forthcoming due to manipulative tactics, the president has articulated our stance. … No one is declaring victory prematurely. We acknowledge considerable progress compared to the situation seven days prior. Numerous setbacks remain possible, but significant advancements are attainable through successful execution, a goal we are dedicated to achieving. … I’m optimistic about its realization, albeit with considerable difficulty.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
