VIDEOS: Rubio eyes global ceasefire monitoring force in Gaza

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope on Friday that an international force to monitor the Gaza ceasefire could be assembled soon, while noting that 'Israel' could veto certain participants, including Turkey.

Rubio’s visit to 'Israel' followed closely on the heels of Vice President JD Vance as part of a US-led push to safeguard the truce, which has sought to prevent further major 'Israeli' operations in Gaza.

Speaking from a converted warehouse in southern 'Israel', where 'Israeli', US, and other Western personnel are monitoring the ceasefire, Rubio voiced optimism for a lasting end to the two-year genocide.

Rubio stressed the urgency of assembling the force quickly. “It’s critical for the deal to create the conditions for the stabilization force to come in as soon as it possibly can be put together,” he said.

He confirmed 'Israel' would have veto power over the force’s composition, as the country reportedly objects to participation by Turkey. Rubio added, “There's a lot of countries that have offered to do it. Obviously, as you put together this force, it will have to be people that Israel is comfortable with.”

Rubio noted the US may seek a UN mandate for the force, as some countries require the organization’s approval to deploy troops. However, he reiterated that there would be no role for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which 'Israel' has long sought to sideline.

At the ceasefire coordination center, roughly 200 US troops joined personnel from a dozen countries, operating in a hastily prepared space complete with artificial grass carpeting. Overhead screens displayed updates on incoming supplies, including fruit, vegetables, cheese, and coffee, and featured a motivational message from Trump: “A new and beautiful day is rising. And now, the rebuilding begins.”

Rubio hailed progress, saying, “We've made more progress in 13 days than anyone thought possible.”

The US has increasingly pressured 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who in March ignored a prior ceasefire and launched a major new offensive. Trump, responding to concerns from Arab states, has urged 'Israel' not to annex the West Bank, despite the 'Israeli' parliament advancing bills toward annexation during Vance’s visit. Rubio commented, “Suffice it to say we don't think it's going to happen.”

Meeting Rubio, Netanyahu framed the US visits as a sign of “circle of trust and partnership” and avoided any perception of tension with the country’s crucial ally.

Meanwhile, Hamas stated it had received “clear guarantees” from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that the war had ended and urged more pressure on 'Israel' to allow humanitarian aid. Yet, the World Health Organization warned that aid flows into Gaza remain insufficient, with no observable reduction in hunger. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “The situation still remains catastrophic because what's entering is not enough.”