Rubio stresses ‘need to continue implementation’ of Gaza ceasefire as he talks to Emirati FM, MBS

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves to employees upon arriving at the State Department in Washington, on January 21, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves to employees upon arriving at the State Department in Washington, on January 21, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call earlier this evening with UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed.

“They discussed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the release of the hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza,” the US readout says, adding that Rubio “reinforced the significance of this agreement for regional security and stability and the need to continue implementation.”

The comments in strong support of maintaining the hostage deal for all of its three phases appeared noteworthy, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners are demanding that he resume the war after the completion of the first stage, which would collapse the agreement.

Also during the call, Rubio stressed the importance of furthering discussions regarding “post-conflict planning for the governance and security of Gaza for the longer-term,” the US readout says.

The UAE has been one of the only countries that Israel has sought to recruit to play a role in the postwar management of Gaza.

Abu Dhabi has said it’s prepared to do so but has repeatedly stressed this will only happen if the effort is accompanied by the establishment of a political horizon for the Palestinians, and if a reformed Palestinian Authority is part of that process. Netanyahu has long rejected both of those conditions.

Rubio also held a call Wednesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the State Department says. The latter held a separate call earlier Wednesday with US President Donald Trump as well.

Rubio “conveyed that he looked forward to advancing shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and beyond,” the US readout says, adding that the secretary also “stressed the threats posed by Iran and its proxies.”

Rubio “expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s partnership and efforts to promote regional peace and stability,” according to the US readout.

Most Popular